By DAYO ADESULU
The United States has officially confirmed the deployment of its troops to Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in military cooperation between both countries as they confront escalating terrorist threats across West Africa.
The confirmation came on Tuesday from the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who said Washington and Abuja jointly concluded that existing security measures were no longer sufficient to counter the evolving tactics of extremist groups operating in the region.
Nigeria–US Military Cooperation Enters New Phase
According to General Anderson, the decision followed extensive discussions between Nigerian and American defence officials, resulting in an agreement to deepen collaboration and deploy a specialised team of US troops to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism war.
Speaking at a media briefing, the AFRICOM chief explained that both nations recognised the urgent need for closer operational coordination to address persistent security challenges, particularly terrorism and armed extremism.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson told journalists.
While confirming the deployment, Anderson declined to disclose details about the size of the US team, its precise mission, or the expected duration of its stay in Nigeria. He also avoided clarifying whether the troops would participate directly in combat or operate strictly in advisory and support roles.
Deployment Follows US Airstrikes in Nigeria
The confirmation of US troops deployment to Nigeria comes weeks after US President Donald Trump authorised airstrikes in December against what he described as Islamic State targets on Nigerian soil. At the time, Trump warned that further American military action could follow, signalling a more aggressive US stance toward extremist groups in West Africa.
In December 2025, the US Department of Defense announced that “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed during the strikes, which it said were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. Trump also publicly celebrated the operation on his Truth Social account, describing the strikes as “perfect” and warning that the United States would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to thrive.
Although the Pentagon initially released few operational details, it later published a short video clip showing one of the airstrikes. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and AFRICOM both confirmed that the strikes, which reportedly occurred in parts of Sokoto State, were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian Government Confirms Presence of US Team
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), also confirmed that a US military team is currently operating within the country. Like his American counterpart, Musa refrained from providing details about the scope, mandate, or rules of engagement governing the US personnel.
The confirmation by both governments underscores that the deployment resulted from mutual agreement rather than unilateral action, despite growing public sensitivity around foreign military presence in Nigeria.
Persistent Security Challenges Drive Partnership
Nigeria has battled prolonged insecurity for more than a decade, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to carry out deadly attacks. In recent years, violence has also spread to parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, with banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes compounding the crisis.
Although Nigerian authorities have repeatedly insisted that the country retains control over its security architecture, analysts say the deployment highlights the scale of the threat and the need for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and technical support.
The renewed Nigeria–US military partnership appears aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism capacity, improving intelligence sharing, and enhancing operational effectiveness against extremist networks operating across porous borders in West Africa.
Sovereignty Concerns and Public Debate Expected
Despite official assurances, the presence of foreign troops is expected to trigger debate within Nigeria, particularly around national sovereignty and the long-term implications of deeper military involvement by the United States.
These concerns have intensified following Trump’s recent remarks describing violence against Christians in Nigeria as an “existential threat” and “genocide,” comments that led to Nigeria being returned to the US list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” The designation was accompanied by warnings of possible military action and the imposition of visa restrictions.
However, Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected any religious framing of the violence, maintaining that terrorism and criminal attacks affect Nigerians of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
Operational Details Remain Confidential
For now, both governments appear determined to keep operational specifics under wraps. Officials on both sides have emphasised cooperation rather than confrontation, framing the deployment as a joint effort to tackle shared security challenges rather than an occupation or takeover of Nigerian security operations.
Nevertheless, the confirmation of US troops deployment to Nigeria signals a clear shift toward more direct military cooperation and marks a new chapter in Nigeria–US defence relations at a time when security pressures continue to mount across the region.
As terrorist groups adapt and expand their reach, observers say the success of this renewed partnership will depend on transparency, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and tangible improvements in security outcomes for affected communities.
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