AFRICOM Warns of Rising Terrorist Threat Along West African Coast: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin on High Alert
In a major security development that directly affects Nigeria and its neighbours, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has issued a stern warning about the rising threat of extremist groups expanding their influence from the Sahel region toward West Africa’s coastal countries.
Speaking at the recently concluded African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, General Langley highlighted growing concerns that terrorist organizations affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda are intensifying efforts to move southward, targeting nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin. According to Langley, these insurgents are aggressively pushing to gain access to the Atlantic coastline, a development that could dramatically increase their capacity to fund operations through smuggling, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and other forms of illicit trade.
“Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain the epicentre of terrorist activity in the region, with insurgent networks affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda especially entrenched in Burkina Faso,” General Langley warned.
West Africa at a Crossroads: Why Coastal Access Matters to Terrorists
The Sahel region, a vast stretch of semi-arid land below the Sahara Desert, has become the most violent terrorism hotspot in the world. According to the recently released 2025 Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Sahel accounted for a staggering 19% of all global terrorist attacks and an alarming 51% of terrorism-related deaths in 2024—an increase from 48% the previous year. Out of the ten most terrorism-affected countries in the world, five are in the Sahel.
These figures underscore a disturbing trend: terrorism in Africa is shifting southward. Extremist groups are no longer content with controlling isolated desert regions—they are seeking economic and strategic expansion by gaining access to major trade routes and coastal hubs. If they succeed, they can use West Africa’s porous borders and under-policed maritime zones to finance and export terrorism globally.
“Extremist groups are becoming more aggressive. Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region. If terrorists secure access to West African coasts, they will have new avenues to fund their operations—through smuggling, human trafficking, and weapons trading,” General Langley warned. “This places not only African nations at risk but also increases the possibility of threats reaching the United States.”
Nigeria’s Role in Regional Security: A Strategic Partner of the U.S.
During his speech, Langley pointed out the critical role Nigeria continues to play in regional counterterrorism efforts. He recounted his November 2024 visit to Nigeria, where he met with top Nigerian defence officials to reinforce military cooperation and strategize on containing the spread of Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP).
“During my visit, I sat down with Nigerian defence leaders to explore how the U.S. can continue to support Nigeria’s efforts against Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa. Nigeria has one of the most capable militaries in the region, and we are committed to working together,” he said.
AFRICOM and the Nigerian Armed Forces have maintained a strong partnership through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and logistical support. The U.S. has also supplied Nigeria with military hardware and advisory assistance in the fight against terrorism, especially in the Lake Chad Basin.
Coastal Nations Urged to Strengthen Border Security
General Langley singled out Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin as countries that must be particularly vigilant. These nations are situated along the Gulf of Guinea and are increasingly at risk of infiltration through their northern borders, where extremist groups from Burkina Faso and Mali are already active.
“That’s why our coastal partners are fighting fiercely to block terrorist expansion, and AFRICOM is standing with them,” Langley said.
This is not just a local or regional issue. Terrorist access to coastal trade routes presents a threat to global shipping, international trade, and U.S. national security interests. Langley reaffirmed that the U.S. would continue supporting these countries through capacity-building programs and collaborative counterterrorism operations.
U.S. Commitment: Fighting Terrorism Through Partnership, Not Occupation
While General Langley acknowledged that the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces from parts of Africa has limited Washington’s ability to maintain a strong on-ground presence, he emphasized that AFRICOM’s approach remains one of partnership, not occupation.
“We respect national sovereignty and only operate where we’re invited—if it aligns with U.S. national security objectives,” he stated.
AFRICOM's strategic shift focuses on training and empowering African militaries to independently address their security needs. This includes joint military exercises, technology support, and intelligence exchange aimed at strengthening African defence capabilities.
“Our goal is to build enduring partnerships that enable African nations to solve African problems—not through handouts, but through trusted collaboration. A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is a strategic necessity for both Africa and the United States,” Langley explained.
Expanding the Fight: AFRICOM Operations in East Africa
General Langley also addressed U.S. military efforts in East Africa, especially in Somalia, where AFRICOM has conducted over 25 airstrikes in 2025—double the number from the previous year. These operations were launched at the direct request of the Somali government in a bid to contain Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group destabilizing large swaths of the Horn of Africa.
“African forces are no longer waiting to be saved. They are stepping up, taking control of their futures, and driving efforts to stabilise their nations,” he said, praising the increasing independence and capability of African militaries.
Burkina Faso and the Challenges of Dialogue
Despite strained U.S. relations with certain Sahel governments, particularly Burkina Faso, Langley expressed a desire to keep diplomatic channels open.
“I’ve extended an invitation to Burkina Faso’s Chief of Defence to attend the conference because I believe in keeping dialogue open. That opportunity is still available,” he stated.
The U.S. continues to see value in maintaining dialogue, even with countries that have aligned themselves with non-Western powers or adopted military regimes. The goal, Langley insists, is to encourage regional cooperation in a continent that remains strategically vital to both Africa and global peace.
AFRICOM’s Long-Term Vision: Stability Through Strength
Looking to the future, General Langley summed up AFRICOM’s mission in three powerful words: “peace through strength.”
“Strong partnerships are our greatest strength. We are always stronger when we stand together,” he said.
In a region increasingly plagued by insurgency, smuggling, and lawlessness, AFRICOM is attempting to shift the narrative—from external intervention to internal empowerment. By enabling African nations to take ownership of their security challenges, AFRICOM aims to ensure that Africa remains a continent of opportunity, not of crisis.
From Nigeria to Somalia, from Ghana to Burkina Faso, the message is clear: the threat is growing—but so is the resistance.
Conclusion: Nigeria Must Stay Vigilant as Terror Threat Evolves
As West Africa braces for possible coastal incursions by extremist groups, Nigeria’s role becomes even more crucial. With its geopolitical importance, military strength, and strategic partnerships, Nigeria is not just defending its own borders—it is standing on the frontline of Africa’s broader fight against terrorism.
General Langley's words are both a warning and a call to action: Africa's future depends on cooperation, vigilance, and strength.
