The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, has disclosed that the number of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters surrendering in Nigeria has increased by more than 200 per cent following a joint Nigerian-US military operation in May 2026.
Anderson attributed the increase to the operation, which targeted a senior ISIS commander, as well as subsequent military offensives against terrorist groups.
According to reports, the AFRICOM commander made the disclosure on Monday on the sidelines of the Africa International Defence Exhibition in Lagos.
He said the United States remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s security agencies through intelligence sharing, specialised military capabilities and training.
Anderson described cooperation between Nigerian and American security agencies as a major factor behind the success of the May operation.
He explained that the partnership combined Nigeria’s knowledge of local and regional security challenges with America’s broader understanding of international terrorist networks.
“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,” Anderson said.
He added that Nigeria’s understanding of the local environment, combined with US intelligence on the global operations of terrorist organisations, had strengthened their joint efforts against terrorism.
According to him, the collaboration has contributed to the increased number of fighters surrendering to security forces.
However, the AFRICOM commander cautioned that military operations and foreign assistance alone would not completely resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, which include terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminal violence.
He stressed the importance of good governance, economic development and local initiatives in addressing the underlying factors that contribute to insecurity.
Anderson also commended Nigeria’s programme for rehabilitating and reintegrating former insurgents who surrender to the authorities, describing such efforts as important to achieving lasting peace.
He said governments must find ways to channel the energy of the growing youth population into productive activities rather than allowing young people to become vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist groups.
“How do you take the growing youth population and channel that energy for a positive effort? And to me, that’s what we all need to work on, but it has to be done locally,” he said.
On regional security, Anderson addressed the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He said the United States was seeking to resume dialogue with the three countries to strengthen security cooperation and address threats affecting the wider West African region.
He identified terrorism financing, piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal fishing as additional security concerns requiring coordinated action among countries.
The AFRICOM commander further noted that the increase in insurgents surrendering, alongside a reported decline in attacks and violence, indicated progress in efforts to combat terrorism.
His remarks underscore the continuing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, as both countries work to weaken terrorist networks and improve stability.
However, he maintained that lasting security would require a combination of military action, effective governance, economic opportunities and community-based solutions.
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