close
Saturday, May 31, 2025

We’re helping Tinubu govt to fight Boko Haram, ISWAP: U.S.

According to him, Nigeria is a strategic African partner of the U.S.

and • May 31, 2025
Michael Langley
Marine Corps General Michael Langley(Credit: DVIDS)

The United States has reiterated its resolve to continue partnering with the militaries of African countries, including Nigeria under the administration of Bola Tinubu, to fight terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, among others.

U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, disclosed this on Friday during a digital press briefing on the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025, a forum for military leaders on the continent to address security challenges in the region.

Responding to the media on why U.S. AFRICOM is not directly involved in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, Mr Langley said the U.S. respects the sovereignty of countries on the continent and “only go where we’re asked,” but noted that the U.S. still provides support for the Nigerian military.

Mr Langley said, “We respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives. I was just in Nigeria back in November, where I got to see firsthand how we actively work with and support Nigerian defense objectives.

“During my entire command, I’ve been on a campaign of learning, and when I was in Nigeria, I sat across from our Nigerian partners to hear how we can assist. Because again, the United States, we act with our partners, and in this particular case with Nigeria, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to promote regional security,” Mr Langley noted.

He stated that Nigeria is a strategic African partner of the U.S., with a long history of receiving critical material and training support, including military sales, excess defense articles, training, as well as intelligence sharing.

Mr Langley, who was joined online by senior military leaders from over 37 African nations, had in his opening remarks from Nairobi, Kenya, expressed satisfaction that militaries in African countries are not waiting to be saved.

He stated, “Now, to do this, first of all, Africa – AFRICOM is increasingly focused on helping our African partners address the root causes of terrorism. That means tackling instability at the local level – through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening – using and recommending tools beyond just the military might.”

“African militaries are taking on security challenges head-on, and leverage opportunities for their nations to achieve stability and prosperity. So right now, as I speak to you, they continue to step up and take control of their own futures,” the U.S. AFRICOM commander stated.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Bags of rice used to illustrate the story

States

Troops intercept 88 bags of smuggled rice in Ogun

Mr Akari explained that the interception followed an intelligence report.

Tunji Alausa

Hot news Home top

FG proposes examination malpractice tribunal to punish cheats

The committee noted that the non-implementation of the 1999 Examination Malpractice Act suggested either a lack of political will or non-implementable.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Heading 1

Five illegal miners arrested in Ondo

Mrs Sipasi-Aluko led the operation in collaboration with the Federal Mines Task Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration

Abuja

FCTA developing community partnership to tackle GBV, harmful practices

Ms Derex-Briggs stressed that legislation alone would not stop a cultural norm.

NILDS

NationWide

Stakeholders laud transformational leadership of NILDS DG at symposium

Mr Olorunmola said that the conversation should not stop until Nigeria got the right leader in every position across the country.

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)

Heading 2

NAHCON excited over Nigerian pilgrims’ return of lost wallets containing money

Mr Elegushi ordered the money to be returned to the Egyptian Embassy for onward delivery to the rightful owner.