General Dagvin Anderson: Advancing Nigeria-US Counterterrorism Cooperation through AFRICOM

General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, the seventh commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), has praised the security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, highlighting the effectiveness of joint counterterrorism efforts. In an interview during the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, General Anderson shared that intelligence sharing and operational cooperation have significantly strengthened the alliance, leading to notable successes in combating terrorist groups like ISIS.

He emphasized the importance of addressing governance and development challenges alongside military operations to create a sustainable impact in the fight against terrorism. The U.S. supports Nigeria in combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups through intelligence, specialized capabilities, and shared expertise. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, General Anderson stressed the need to invest in governance and development to create long-term stability and prosperity for Nigerians, ultimately reducing the allure of terrorism and illegal activities.

Looking ahead, AFRICOM is working with Nigeria to reestablish dialogue and cooperation in the Sahel region, particularly in the wake of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrawing from ECOWAS. The command aims to engage with other states in the Sahel to prevent terrorist groups from exploiting the security gaps created by these withdrawals, leveraging U.S. resources and expertise to support Nigeria's broader security needs beyond the North-East region.