Approximately 100 U.S. troops have arrived in Nigeria to bolster local forces in their fight against Islamic militants, enhancing regional security in West Africa.
In a significant move to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, around 100 U.S. troops and military equipment landed in the country on Monday. This deployment is part of a broader security cooperation initiative between the United States and Nigeria, aimed at combating the threats posed by Islamic militants and other armed groups.
The Nigerian military confirmed the arrival of the U.S. personnel, which is expected to be followed by an additional 100 troops over time. This assistance comes at the request of the Nigerian government, which has sought help in training, technical support, and intelligence sharing as it faces escalating violence from groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The total deployment from U.S. Africa Command is anticipated to reach approximately 200 personnel, including intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers. Officials have characterized this mission as a support operation designed to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian forces in their ongoing battle against Islamist extremist groups.
The deployment follows recent high-level meetings between U.S. and Nigerian officials aimed at reinforcing military ties and expanding counterterrorism cooperation. On February 8, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu met with a U.S. delegation led by General Dagvin Anderson, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, at the State House in Abuja. This meeting included senior officials from Nigeria’s military, security, and intelligence agencies and focused on improving intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
The arrival of U.S. troops comes amid a backdrop of improving relations between Washington and Abuja, which had previously experienced tensions over issues related to religious violence and civilian protection. Former President Donald Trump had criticized Nigeria for its handling of violence against Christians, citing attacks by extremist groups and armed bandits. In response to these concerns, Trump authorized airstrikes on December 25 targeting Islamic State militants, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the U.S. military’s actions in Nigeria, stating, “The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!”
The ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria reflects a commitment to addressing the complex security challenges in West Africa, where militant groups continue to pose significant threats to regional stability.
According to the Associated Press, this deployment marks a crucial step in enhancing the operational capabilities of Nigerian forces as they confront the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.