ISIS defections in Nigeria surge 200% after US-Nigerian military operation – AFRICOM Chief

The number of Islamic State (ISIS) members defecting in Nigeria has increased by more than 200 per cent following a joint military operation by Nigerian and United States forces in May, the commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, has said.

Anderson disclosed this on Monday on the sidelines of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, attributing the increase to the impact of the operation that killed a senior ISIS leader and subsequent military offensives by Nigerian forces.

According to him, the development, alongside a reported reduction in attacks and violence, indicates progress in efforts to weaken terrorist networks operating in Nigeria.

The AFRICOM commander reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security agencies through intelligence sharing, specialised military capabilities and training, stressing that cooperation between both countries had been instrumental in the campaign against terrorism.

“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 explained that the partnership combines Nigeria’s knowledge of local and regional security dynamics with the United States’ understanding 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,” he added.

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Anderson’s remarks highlight the importance of intelligence-led operations and international cooperation in confronting extremist organisations whose activities extend across national borders.

He, however, cautioned that military intervention alone would not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, which include terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of organised criminal activity.

According to him, addressing the underlying conditions that allow extremist groups to recruit and operate requires sustained investment in governance, economic development and local communities.

He emphasised the need to create opportunities for young people, arguing that constructive engagement and development initiatives were essential to preventing recruitment into armed 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.

The AFRICOM chief also commended Nigeria’s programme for reintegrating former combatants and defectors into society, describing such efforts as an important component of a broader approach to security.

Reintegration programmes are intended to provide individuals who leave armed groups with pathways back into civilian life, although their effectiveness depends on appropriate screening, monitoring and community acceptance.

Anderson’s comments suggest that US support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign extends beyond battlefield operations to intelligence cooperation and efforts to address the wider factors sustaining violent extremism.

May operation targeted senior ISIS figure

In May, Nigerian and US forces conducted a joint military operation in northeastern Nigeria that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by US authorities as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

The operation represented a significant development in the campaign against the Islamic State network, which has maintained links with extremist groups operating in parts of Africa.

In June, AFRICOM announced that it had withdrawn most of the troops deployed for the operation but would continue providing intelligence support to Nigerian forces.

The arrangement underscored Washington’s intention to maintain security cooperation with Nigeria even after reducing its direct military presence associated with the mission.

Anderson’s latest comments indicate that intelligence sharing and operational coordination remain central to the partnership.

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However, the reported increase in defections does not, on its own, establish the overall strength of ISIS in Nigeria or the long-term impact of the military campaign. Sustained reductions in attacks, recruitment and territorial influence would provide additional indicators of progress

US seeks renewed security engagement with Sahel states

Beyond Nigeria, Anderson addressed regional security concerns, including 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 reopen dialogue with the three countries to strengthen security cooperation amid persistent threats from extremist organisations across the Sahel.

The three countries, which have experienced military-led political transitions, have pursued alternative regional arrangements following their departure from ECOWAS.

Their relationship with neighbouring states and international security partners remains an important consideration in efforts to contain the spread of armed extremist groups across West Africa.

Anderson also identified terrorist financing, piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal fishing as major security threats requiring coordinated regional and international responses.

He stressed that such activities undermine stability and economic development, making cooperation among African governments and international partners necessary.

The AFRICOM commander’s remarks come as Nigeria continues to confront security threats in the northeast and other parts of the country, while seeking support from international partners to improve intelligence gathering and operational capacity.

Although the reported rise in ISIS defections offers a potential indication of pressure on the group, Anderson maintained that lasting security would require a combination of military action, effective governance and locally driven development initiatives.