The number of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters defecting in Nigeria has increased by more than 200 per cent since a joint military operation by Nigerian and United States forces in May, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, has disclosed.
Anderson made this known on Monday, October 26, on the sidelines of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, according to THISDAY.
He attributed the increase to the operation targeting Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the world’s second-highest-ranking ISIS terrorist, alongside subsequent offensives by Nigerian troops.
Anderson praised the collaboration between Nigerian military and intelligence agencies and their American counterparts, saying the partnership was instrumental in carrying out the operation.
“The partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigerian intelligence was exceptional, and that’s what really enabled that partnership to happen and to take out the number two terrorist in the world for ISIS,” he said.
He explained that Nigeria and the US had complementary strengths, with Nigerian forces contributing local intelligence while Washington provided broader knowledge of international terrorist networks.
“Some of it is intelligence, but also understanding of the terrorist network globally. And so Nigeria brings the regional and local understanding, while we bring the global network understanding, and together that becomes very powerful,” Anderson said.
READ ALSO: Troops Arrest Foreign ‘ISIS Operative’ In Borno
He added that US support included training in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting, with further specialised assistance available upon request.
However, the AFRICOM commander warned that military action alone would not eliminate terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.
He called for stronger governance, development, education and employment opportunities to address factors that encourage recruitment into criminal groups.
“Ultimately, for the terrorism and insecurity, it needs to be an investment in governance, an investment in development,” he said.
On regional security, Anderson said Washington was seeking renewed dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Improved relations, he noted, could restore intelligence sharing and training cooperation.
He also identified terrorist financing, piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal fishing as major security concerns, highlighting US support for maritime surveillance systems in the Gulf of Guinea.
Anderson cited rising defections and declining attacks as signs of progress, while commending Nigeria’s efforts to reintegrate former fighters.
He urged African governments to create economic opportunities for young people, saying channelling their energy into productive activities was essential to long-term security.