The United States has attributed the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Nigeria and other Sahelian nations to its strategic withdrawal from bases in Niger and Chad, which has limited its capacity to monitor extremist networks.

Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, raised the concern during a digital briefing at the weekend following the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Kenya.

He described the recent spike in violence—especially by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed herders in Nigeria—as “deeply troubling”.

“Since our exit from Niger in September last year, we’ve observed a significant uptick in attacks across the Sahel, including Nigeria,” Langley stated. “These incidents are increasing in both frequency and complexity, fuelled by persistent grievances and a proliferation of weapons.”

He noted that while the US has lost direct monitoring capabilities, it continues to liaise with regional partners, including Nigeria, to share intelligence and provide assistance.

Langley stressed that decisions about military partnerships ultimately rest with sovereign nations. “We only go where we are invited and where it aligns with US national security interests,” he said.

Highlighting the US-Nigeria partnership, Langley cited military training, equipment sales, and joint operations such as ‘Obangame Express’ as key areas of cooperation. He reiterated AFRICOM’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

He warned that terrorist groups in the Sahel had expanded their operational capacity significantly in the last three years and could soon pose a direct threat to US interests.

“We consider the Sahel the epicentre of terrorism today. Extremist factions are thriving, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and now seek access to West Africa’s coastline,” he said.

Established in 2007, AFRICOM oversees US military activities across Africa, excluding Egypt, with a mission to bolster African security and counter transnational threats including terrorism and piracy.