US Deploys Troops to Nigeria to Support Counterterrorism Operations
The US deploys troops to Nigeria as Washington deepens military cooperation with Abuja following airstrikes carried out in December 2025 against terrorist targets. A small team of American troops has been sent to Nigeria, marking the first officially acknowledged US military presence on the ground since those Christmas Day strikes ordered by President Donald Trump.
Deployment Follows December US Airstrikes
The troop deployment comes weeks after President Trump authorised airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State targets in Nigeria, warning at the time that further US military action could follow if security conditions worsened.
According to Reuters, the United States had already been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the December strikes.
US–Nigeria Agreement on Counterterrorism Cooperation
Reuters reported that the deployment followed a bilateral agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States to strengthen collaboration against escalating terrorist threats across West Africa.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the head of the US Africa Command, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed the presence of American personnel.
“This has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said.
He declined to disclose the size of the team or provide specific operational details but said its role is to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Nigerian Government Confirms US Presence
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of US troops in the country but did not release further information about their mission or duration.
Security sources cited by Reuters said the American personnel are likely involved in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeting support, particularly against groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
US Pressure Over Terrorism and Civilian Protection
Nigeria has faced increasing pressure from Washington over its response to terrorist violence. President Trump previously accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities in the northwest, an allegation the Federal Government has strongly rejected.
Officials in Abuja have maintained that Nigeria’s military operations target all armed groups attacking civilians, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
Rising Security Concerns in West Africa
The deployment underscores growing US concern over terrorist expansion in West Africa, where insurgent groups have intensified attacks across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Analysts say the presence of US troops, even in a limited advisory and intelligence role, signals a shift toward closer operational coordination between both countries as Nigeria seeks additional support to counter persistent security threats.
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