US Troops in Nigeria As Trump Approves Military Support Against Terrorism
The presence of US troops in Nigeria has been officially confirmed following a new phase of military cooperation between Washington and Abuja aimed at tackling terrorism and related security threats across the country.
According to Reuters, General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, commander of the United States Africa Command, revealed on Tuesday that both nations agreed on closer collaboration to strengthen counter-terrorism operations. He said this agreement led to the deployment of a small US team with what he described as “unique capabilities” to support Nigerian forces.
Anderson said, “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.”
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that US troops in Nigeria are currently operating in the country, although he declined to provide further details about their size or specific mission.
Before now, the United States had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since late November. However, this marks the first official confirmation of US troops in Nigeria since Washington carried out airstrikes in late December targeting militant groups, after months of intelligence flights over Nigerian territory.
US officials disclosed that the deployed team is focused mainly on intelligence gathering and providing support to Nigerian security forces battling terrorist-affiliated groups. The move comes amid growing pressure from Washington, especially after President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants in parts of the country.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied claims of systematic persecution of Christians, insisting that security agencies are targeting armed groups attacking both Christian and Muslim communities. Meanwhile, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters have intensified assaults on military convoys and civilians, with the northwest remaining a major hotspot of the 17-year insurgency.
The US Africa Command also confirmed that a recent strike carried out in Sokoto State, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killed multiple ISIS militants. The strike followed earlier warnings from Trump, who claimed Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and threatened military intervention over continued attacks on Christian communities.
As US troops in Nigeria quietly deepen security cooperation, many Nigerians are asking what this development truly means and whether stronger military ties will significantly change the fight against terrorism.
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