General Dagvin R.M. Anderson

Force in Play

Assumed command August 2025

Since 2007, the United States has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and special operations raids against al-Shabaab in Somalia—more than in any other country outside of declared war zones. On February 16, 2026, Jubaland and American forces completed a four-day operation in Badhadhe District, killing more than 60 al-Shabaab fighters and destroying camps, communication centers, and depots with over 100 types of explosives.

Updated May 29

Force in Play

Led delegation to meet Tinubu in Abuja Feb 8; oversaw initial 100 US troops arrival

On Christmas night 2025, American warplanes struck ISIS-linked camps in northwest Nigeria, killing militants in the first direct U.S. combat action there. President Tinubu approved the operation after months of Trump pressure, targeting Lakurawa/ISSP elements in Sokoto State, but Jabo residents reported civilian panic from a missile hitting farmland. By mid-February 2026, U.S. Africa Command deployed around 200 military personnel, with the initial 100 troops arriving February 17 at Bauchi Airfield to train and support Nigerian counterterrorism forces.

Updated May 16