U.S. Africa Command leadership attends AFRIDEX in Lagos
LAGOS, Nigeria — U.S. Africa Command leadership attended the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, Nigeria Oct. 26–27, 2026 to collaborate with African defense leaders and global partners to advance cooperation across Africa.
The AFRICOM delegation included U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander; Amb. Peter Vrooman, deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement; and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Cameron Chen, deputy director of operations, along with other leaders.
During the inaugural event, Anderson delivered a keynote address highlighting AFRICOM’s strong security partnership with Nigeria. Addressing a room full of guests and delegates, he highlighted the joint U.S.-Nigeria operation in the Lake Chad Basin in May 2026 that eliminated Abu Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS globally.
“It was a joint victory built on mutual respect and complementary capabilities,” said Anderson. “We drove a knife into the heart of the global terror network. We have seen the results globally of the impact of this operation, and we did it together. More importantly, we continue to work together.”
Anderson also stressed Africa’s significance on the world stage, noting that developments across the continent will have a substantial impact on the 21st century around the globe.
“The United States stands ready to help willing and able partners when and where our interests align,” said Anderson. “And there is no doubt that our interests align here in Nigeria. We understand that what happens in Africa affects the global community. We are collectively affected by terrorist organizations that want to spread fear through violence. It has a direct impact here, but it also impacts our global community and the United States. I have always said there is no greater narrative than success. And when we partner, we have seen success across the African continent.”
The event featured exhibition and demonstration spaces where vendors showcased technologies and supported discussions about how African militaries could adopt new capabilities to strengthen their security. AFRIDEX also provided opportunities for Anderson and Vrooman to engage with Nigerian leaders, including retired Nigerian Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defence, and Nigerian Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, chief of defence staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, reaffirming the U.S.-Nigeria relationship.
In addition to AFRICOM’s participation, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, took part in panel discussions focused on defense innovation, infrastructure and experimentation.
In his concluding remarks, Anderson emphasized the need to act with urgency and innovate faster than the threats facing future security, stability and prosperity. He noted that today’s investments in partnerships help ensure future generations have opportunities to thrive.
“It’s the future of our children,” said Anderson. “As my children become young adults and they look at the future, they see nothing but opportunity. I want to ensure that that opportunity is real and that we continue to defend that, and we continue to secure that. But I also realize we do not do that alone, which is why I’m here today. I look forward to continuing to work with all of our allies and partners.”
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