The United States, U.S Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy 1,500 U.S-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in a bid to connect off-grid communities and offer an alternative to Chinese wireless infrastructure.

In a statement by the U.S mission in Nigeria, the grant will support Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc. as it works with Georg-based Vermont Group LLC to assess the commercial viability of large-scale deployment.

The study will examine existing telecom infrastructure, market conditions, financing models and legal or regulatory frameworks needed for large-scale implementation. Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC has been selected to provide technical support for the assessment phase.

USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy described the project as part of a broader effort to provide “trusted” digital infrastructure alternatives in Africa while opening new opportunities for American technology companies. “USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said in the agency’s statement.

Vanu, which specialises in software-based radio technology, says its systems are designed for rural and economically challenging markets. The project aims to close West Africa’s urban connectivity gap and expand access to 2G and 3G voice and data services in areas that are largely offline.

“Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to show how our systems enable mobile network operators to deliver broadband in West Africa,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu Inc. He added that the company’s FCC-certified software radio and open-architecture ecosystem could make connectivity in these markets “profitable, sustainable and scalable.”

The initiative is expected to generate opportunities for U.S. wireless solutions, network management systems, and other digital infrastructure as implementation moves forward.

Analysts say the project also reflects growing strategic competition between the United States and China for technological influence in Africa.

For years, many African countries have depended heavily on Chinese-built telecommunications infrastructure supplied by companies such as Huawei and ZTE. U.S. officials have increasingly promoted American-backed systems as “trusted” alternatives to Chinese technology.

Industry observers believe the latest U.S.-supported initiative could reshape parts of West Africa’s digital landscape while reducing dependence on foreign-controlled telecom systems perceived by Washington as security risks.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says joint military operations carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have killed at least 175 ISIS-linked terrorists in northeastern Nigeria during a series of coordinated air and ground assaults.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, providing an update on the US–Nigeria joint operation.

The military said the coordinated strikes marked significant progress in ongoing operations against terrorist elements in the region. The Defence Headquarters stated that the joint operations destroyed multiple ISIS checkpoints, weapons depots, logistics hubs and communication networks used by the insurgents.

According to the military, financial channels used to sustain terrorist operations were also targeted during the raids. Those reportedly eliminated include Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by Nigerian and U.S. officials as ISIS’s global second-in-command and one of the group’s most influential figures in West Africa.

The military also named Abd-al Wahhab, Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir as senior ISWAP leaders killed in the offensive. According to DHQ, the commanders were involved in planning attacks, coordinating propaganda operations, financing terrorism and developing weapons systems for the extremist group.

The DHQ said the joint operations underscore the continued efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to eliminate terrorist threats across the country. It added that the operations would continue to target and destroy groups threatening national and regional security.

The United States government has issued a fresh security alert for its citizens in Nigeria following recent military airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked militants in the country’s northeast, raising concerns over possible retaliatory attacks and heightened security risks.

The warning was issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria after a series of joint operations carried out by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian security forces against Islamic State fighters operating around the Lake Chad Basin and northeastern Nigeria.

According to the embassy advisory, American citizens and diplomatic personnel in Nigeria have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and monitor local security developments closely due to concerns that extremist groups could attempt retaliatory attacks.

Rising Security Concerns Across Nigeria

Security analysts say the latest airstrikes could increase the risk of retaliatory attacks by extremist groups against civilians, military facilities or foreign interests in Nigeria.

Nigeria has battled insurgent violence for more than a decade, particularly in the northeast where Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out deadly attacks against communities, security forces and humanitarian workers.

The U.S. Embassy warned that terrorist attacks in Nigeria can occur without warning and may target public places including hotels, markets, transportation hubs, places of worship and government buildings.

Authorities in several northern states have reportedly increased security monitoring following the strikes, while intelligence agencies remain on alert over possible revenge attacks.