Abuja, Nigeria– November 13, 2024
General Michael Langley, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Nigeria on Wednesday to discuss security cooperation with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, announced Langley’s visit in a brief statement, noting that the AFRICOM Commander was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills. During the meeting, General Langley commended Nigeria’s efforts in addressing security challenges and acknowledged the country’s strategic leadership role in West Africa.
Langley also congratulated General Musa on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Committee of Defence Chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This position underscores Nigeria’s leadership in regional security initiatives, especially at a time when the sub-region faces increasing threats from terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of organized crime.
In response, General Musa expressed appreciation for Langley’s visit and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, particularly in areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, and the procurement of defense equipment. Musa emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to effectively combat terrorism and criminal activities across the West African sub-region.
The visit highlights the ongoing efforts by both countries to enhance security cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, and other security threats in Nigeria and across West Africa. The discussions are expected to further deepen defense ties, with a focus on improving joint capabilities to address regional security challenges.
