The United States (US) will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s fight against insurgency in its northern region.
According to Reuters, a US official confirmed that the troops will reinforce a small number of American military personnel already stationed in Nigeria. The move marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
The deployment follows renewed defence collaboration between Washington and Abuja. US President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of Christian persecution, a decision that further shaped diplomatic engagement between both nations.
Last week, Dagvin Anderson, commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Abuja for high-level talks. He met President Bola Tinubu alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu and other senior officials.
Discussions centred on counterterrorism strategy, intelligence sharing and joint efforts to combat extremist groups threatening Nigeria, the region and global security.
Anderson disclosed that US forces already operating in Nigeria are part of an expanded bilateral agreement targeting terrorism and related threats. However, he did not reveal the precise number of personnel currently deployed.
The incoming troops will concentrate on intelligence gathering and operational support for Nigerian forces rather than frontline combat.
The strengthened partnership follows a Christmas Day operation in which the US carried out missile strikes on two terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the operation as “precision hits” based on shared intelligence and consistent with bilateral agreements and international practice.
The latest troop deployment signals a deeper US commitment to stabilising Nigeria as it confronts persistent insurgent violence.
