U.S. meets Nigerian military as extremist groups ravage West Africa

Senior officers of the United States Africa Command met with the Nigerian military last week to discuss issues bordering on strengthening cooperation, countering extremism and achieving strategic regional security, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfied disclosed in a statement on Monday.
Marine Corps General Michael Langley and Sgt. Major Michael Woods met with Major General EV Onumajuru, chief of defence, training and operations, during a visit on January 10 and 11. Ms Thomas-Greenfield stressed in her comments that the meeting was held as extremist groups exploit weak governance in the region.
“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 statement read.
The statement further disclosed that the military seniors discussed “strengthening U.S.-Nigeria cooperation, countering extremism, and regional security.”
Mr Langley emphasised that the United States continues to work closely with Nigeria, the biggest country in Africa in terms of population and economy, and a strong democracy. This highlights the ongoing friendship between the two nations and the importance of their partnership for shared benefits.
“Cooperation and training between the U.S. and Nigerian militaries is vital in addressing the evolving security landscape in West Africa and advancing common interests,” Mr Langley said during the meeting. “This visit underscores the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with West African nations in promoting security, stability and prosperity across the region.”
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

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

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.”

World
Venezuela twin earthquakes death toll hits 5,000, over 16,000 injured
The earthquakes tore through La Guaira state, a port town, and also affected some part of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

Heading 4
Trump threatens Canada with more tariffs over wildfire smoke polluting U.S.
Mr Trump stated, “This is willful negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States billions of dollars.”

NationWide
PDP Leadership Tussle: Court fines Wabara-led BoT, lawyer N150 million, dismisses suit against Wike-led faction
The PDP faction, loyal to the FCT Minister,BoT Nyesom Wike, approached the court and challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

NationWide
Management centre urges unaccredited trainers to regularise practice
Mr Chinoko appealed to unaccredited practitioners to comply voluntarily instead of waiting for legal enforcement.

States
Troops kill two terrorists, rescue three victims in two-day raid of Benue hideout
Mr Zubairu stated, “The operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026.”

Diaspora
Police dog exposes Nigerian traveller with hidden guinea fowl, goat meat package at Canada airport
Authorities stated that both the food and meat products sniffed out by the dog weighed 37 kilogrammes.





