US AFRICOM Plans Intervention in Nigeria Targeting ISWAP and Islamist Groups
On November 7, 2025, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced its intention to draft plans for a military intervention in Nigeria. The primary focus of this intervention is to combat the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with secondary attention given to other Islamist groups, including the Jama"atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda"awati Wal Jihad (JAS) and various decentralized bandit groups operating in the region.
Key Details
AFRICOM"s proposed intervention strategy is categorized into three distinct options: light, medium, and heavy. Each option varies in terms of military engagement and resource allocation.
The light option involves continuing to support the Nigerian army by providing additional military and financial assistance. This approach aims to enhance the Nigerian government"s capacity to neutralize the threats posed by ISWAP and other militant groups without direct U.S. military involvement.
The medium option includes the potential for drone strikes and joint operations with the Nigerian army targeting terrorist camps and positions. However, this strategy faces significant logistical challenges due to the recent loss of U.S. access to airbases in Niamey and Agadez, Niger. While other regional countries may allow the use of their territory for operations, such permissions are considered unlikely. The most viable alternative for conducting operations would be from the AFRICOM base located in Djibouti.
The heavy option, which is deemed the least likely to be executed, involves deploying an aircraft carrier strike group into the Gulf of Guinea. This would enable U.S. fighter jets to conduct high-impact airstrikes against militant camps. However, this option is constrained by the current availability of aircraft carriers. The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently being repositioned to the southern Caribbean, while other carriers are either deployed in the Pacific or the Middle East, or are undergoing maintenance.
Background
The situation in Nigeria has been increasingly precarious due to the rise of ISWAP and other Islamist factions. ISWAP has been responsible for numerous attacks against military and civilian targets in the northeastern region of Nigeria, contributing to widespread instability and humanitarian crises. The Nigerian government has struggled to contain these threats, prompting discussions about increased international support and intervention.
In recent years, the U.S. has been involved in various counterterrorism efforts across Africa, with a focus on stabilizing regions affected by extremist groups. The potential intervention in Nigeria aligns with these broader strategic objectives, as the U.S. aims to counter the influence of terrorist organizations on the continent.
What"s Next
The plans drafted by AFRICOM signal a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in West Africa. The decision to intervene, whether through light, medium, or heavy options, will depend on ongoing assessments of the security situation in Nigeria and the effectiveness of the Nigerian military in combating ISWAP and other militant groups. As previously reported, the U.S. has faced challenges in maintaining operational bases in the region, which could impact the execution of any military strategy.
As the situation develops, further discussions and decisions will likely take place regarding the extent of U.S. involvement in Nigeria and the potential implications for regional stability. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments, as they could have far-reaching consequences for counterterrorism efforts in Africa.
For more on related coverage, see our article on recent developments in international politics.
