US, Nigeria's Senior Military Officers Meet, Seek Collaboration on Curbing Extremism

Senior military chiefs from the United States and Nigeria have met to foster betee bilateral relations between both countries.

US Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Langley; Commander, US Africa Command and US Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods and the command’s senior enlisted leader, visited Nigeria, January 10-11, 2024, a statement by Langley and Woods who engaged with Maj. Gen. EV Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Training and Operations, said.

The statement also noted that the leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, efforts to counter violent extremism in the region, and Nigeria’s leadership when addressing regional security.

Langley reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing cooperation with Nigeria, which has the largest population, economy, and democracy in Africa.

"Cooperation and training between the US and Nigerian militaries is vital in addressing the evolving security landscape in West Africa and advancing common interests. This visit underscores the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with West African nations in promoting security, stability and prosperity across the region,” Langley said.

Around West Africa, extremist groups exploit weak governance and environmental stressors, causing instability. This insecurity not only affects the region but also poses a global threat by fostering terrorism and exacerbating humanitarian crises.

The US Mission Nigeria Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene, revealed that instability in West Africa requires collaboration including intelligence sharing and capacity building to address.

He remarked that in partnership with Nigeria, the United States aims to counter terrorism, provide humanitarian assistance, and achieve the security needed for economic growth.

The statement also noted that Langley also met with Nigerian alumni of the embassy’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and other programmes, where he shared his perspective on leadership and learned about the alumni’s achievements.

The statement added that Langley and Woods further met with embassy diplomatic and military personnel, several of whom he recognised for their accomplishments.

The statement noted: “US Africa Command is one of seven US Department of Defence geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all US military operations, exercises, and security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

“The visit highlights US Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defence collaboration,” the statement added.