The United States has deployed about 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s military in the fight against Islamist militants.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the American troops are in Nigeria to provide training and operational support to local forces. An American military official told the newspaper that the deployment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity.
The report said the newly deployed troops would work alongside a small number of US military advisers who are already in Nigeria. These advisers have been assisting Nigerian forces with intelligence gathering and helping to identify targets for military operations.
Nigeria has been battling insurgency and terrorism for more than a decade, especially in the North-East region. Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out attacks on communities, military bases, and places of worship. Thousands of people have been killed, and many more have been displaced from their homes.
Over the years, Nigeria has received support from several countries, including the United States, in the form of training, equipment, and intelligence sharing. The latest deployment appears to be part of efforts to deepen that cooperation.
The report also noted that the deployment comes weeks after US President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from terrorist attacks. His comments had drawn reactions from various quarters, with Nigerian officials insisting that the government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnic background.
Security analysts say foreign military training can help improve the skills and effectiveness of Nigerian troops, especially in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and special operations.
Following media reports and public speculation about the presence of US troops in Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) issued a statement to clarify the situation.
The military explained that Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States is focused on capacity building and not combat operations.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said the country maintains a long-standing and structured security relationship with the United States.
“The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.”
According to the DHQ, the collaboration includes professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing common security challenges, especially terrorism.
The military stressed that all engagements with the United States are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and within established bilateral agreements.
This clarification was important because the presence of foreign troops on Nigerian soil has often generated debate in the past. Many Nigerians are sensitive to issues related to national sovereignty and external military involvement.
In previous years, Nigeria has worked with foreign partners in training exercises and advisory roles, but it has generally avoided allowing foreign combat troops to operate independently within its territory.
Defence experts say such partnerships are common in the fight against terrorism, as extremist groups often operate across borders and use modern technology that requires advanced skills to counter.
The deployment of US troops comes amid renewed high-level engagements between Nigeria and the United States.
Last Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a high-level US delegation at the State House in Abuja. The delegation was led by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), General Dagvin R. Anderson.
Also present at the meeting was the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Keith Heffern, along with other members of the American team.
Speaking during a recent virtual briefing, General Anderson confirmed increased collaboration between the two countries following discussions with President Tinubu.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We were able to share some thoughts and agree that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” he said.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings unique capabilities from the United States to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
The meeting at the State House focused on strengthening defence cooperation and addressing regional security challenges.
Nigeria plays a key role in West Africa’s security efforts. As the most populous country on the continent and one of its largest economies, instability in Nigeria can have effects across the region.
Apart from the insurgency in the North-East, Nigeria also faces other security challenges, including banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in parts of the Middle Belt, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
In recent years, the Nigerian government has increased military spending and sought stronger international partnerships to address these threats.
For now, both governments have described the deployment as limited and focused on training and support rather than direct combat.