The United States has deployed a small team of military personnel to Nigeria as part of renewed efforts to tackle growing insecurity linked to Boko Haram, banditry, and other extremist groups operating across the country.
The development was confirmed by the head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who said the deployment followed agreements between both nations to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa.
Speaking during a media briefing, Anderson disclosed that the American team would provide “unique capabilities” to support Nigerian forces but declined to reveal details about the size of the unit or the full scope of its mission.
According to him, the move reflects “increased collaboration between our nations” aimed at confronting the worsening terrorist threat in the region.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, retired General Christopher Musa, also acknowledged the presence of the U.S. personnel but offered no further explanation about their activities.
Security sources suggest the American troops are primarily focused on intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and logistical support to help Nigerian forces track and target extremist groups more effectively.
The deployment comes months after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes in December against what he described as Islamic State targets in Nigeria, warning that additional military action could follow if threats persist.
Reports had earlier indicated that the U.S. was conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighboring Ghana.
Washington has also increased pressure on Abuja over rising violence in parts of northern Nigeria. President Trump had accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect Christian communities from attacks by Islamist militants.
However, the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of religious persecution, insisting that its military operations target armed groups responsible for killing both Christians and Muslims.
Meanwhile, insurgent groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have stepped up attacks on military formations and civilian populations.
Nigeria’s northwest and northeast regions continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with the insurgency now stretching into its 17th year.
Analysts say the latest U.S.–Nigeria security partnership signals growing international concern about the spread of extremism in West Africa and the need for stronger joint counter-terrorism efforts.
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