- Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also acknowledged the presence of US troops
- At the time, Trump also suggested that additional military steps could be taken if threats persisted
- Nigerian authorities have repeatedly maintained that military operations are directed at all armed groups attacking civilians
A limited contingent of United States troops has arrived in Nigeria, marking Washington’s first acknowledged military presence in the country since air raids struck terrorist positions on Christmas Day 2025.
The move comes in the wake of December 2025 airstrikes authorised by then US President Donald Trump, who said the attacks targeted Islamic State-linked elements operating within Nigeria.
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At the time, Trump also suggested that additional military steps could be taken if threats persisted.
Reporting on Tuesday, Reuters disclosed that the US deployment followed a bilateral understanding between Abuja and Washington aimed at strengthening joint efforts against the rising wave of terrorism across West Africa.
Before the strikes, US forces had reportedly been flying surveillance missions over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana as far back as late November 2025, gathering intelligence in support of counterterrorism operations.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Commander of the US Africa Command, General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, said the enhanced cooperation between both countries had resulted in the presence of a small American team with specialised capabilities.
“This partnership has expanded to include a limited US element that brings unique support from the United States,” Anderson said.
While he did not reveal the number of personnel involved or outline their precise responsibilities, he noted that the team would assist Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also acknowledged the presence of US troops, though he declined to provide further details on their activities.
Security officials quoted by Reuters indicated that the American personnel are likely supporting intelligence operations and helping Nigerian forces identify and target extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The deployment follows heightened scrutiny from Washington over Nigeria’s security situation, particularly after President Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect Christian communities in the northwe, an allegation Abuja has firmly denied.
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly maintained that military operations are directed at all armed groups attacking civilians, irrespective of religious or ethnic considerations.
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