With an Islamist militant group on a killing spree in its northern reaches, Nigeria would appear to be just the kind of country that the US military's Africom was designed to help out.

Launched in October 2008, the 2,100-strong US Africa Command - based at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart-Moehringen, Germany - sends US Army trainers to the African continent. The personnel equip, assist, and train the armies of partner governments in information sharing, counterinsurgency, logistical support, as well as conducting joint exercises. Among the most eager participants are nations of the north African Sahel region, from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east, many of which face Islamist insurgent groups that appear to be growing in sophistication and violent capabilities.

Read the complete story(Some news sites require registration)