U.S. Africa Command Head Advances U.S.-Nigeria Cooperation.

By Ferdinand Olise

The United States Marine Corps, U.S. Africa Command, General Michael Langley, and the Command’s Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Michael Woods, have engaged with the Chief of Defense Training and Operations, Major General EV Onumajuru, and discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation between US and Nigeria.

According to a statement by the United States Embassy, today January 12, 2024, the leaders also discussed efforts to counter violent extremism in the region, and Nigeria’s
leadership when addressing regional security.

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

“‘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”.

“This visit underscores the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with West African nations in promoting security, stability and prosperity across the region”, he said.

He further stated that, around the West Africa, extremist groups exploit weak governance, and environmental stressors, causing instability. He stressed that, this insecurity not only affects the region, but also poses a global threat by fostering terrorism, and exacerbating humanitarian crises.

General Langley also met with the Nigerian alumni of the Embassy’s Young African Leaders Initiative, (YALI), and
other programs, where he shared his perspective on leadership, and learned about the alumni’s achievements.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission Nigeria Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene, stressed the pivotal need tor collaborations in order to tackle instability in West Africa.

“Instability in West Africa requires collaboration, including intelligence sharing, and capacity building to address. In partnership with Nigeria, the United States aims to counter terrorism, provide humanitarian assistance, and achieve the security needed for economic growth”, he said

The U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant Commands which is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, and security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests, as well as promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

The visit highlighted the U.S. Africa Command’s 3D, and approach, which leverages defense collaboration, diplomacy, and development.