Nigeria, June 18 -- Nigeria and its West African neighbours are facing one of the most volatile security environments in decades, and according to outgoing US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander, Michael Langley, the stakes could not be higher:

"If they win, West Africa wins. The Sahel wins," the US Marine general told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview at the Pentagon on 4 June.

Mr Langley sat down with Pearl Matibe for a final conversation before his retirement. It was a rare, one-on-one opportunity to speak frankly about the fight against terrorism, the role of African youth, and what Nigeria-and the entire region-must consider moving forward.

Mr Langley, who retires after 40 years of service in the US Marine Corps and nearly three years ...