The move signals deeper cooperation between Washington and Abuja in the fight against terrorism

The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking its first official military presence in the country since December 2025 airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump.

The move signals deeper cooperation between Washington and Abuja in the fight against terrorism.

The deployment follows airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day 2025, which Trump said targeted Islamic State positions in Nigeria.

He had previously hinted that further US military action in the country was possible.

Reports indicate that the US had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since November 2025, providing intelligence ahead of the December strikes.

The troop deployment comes after an agreement between Nigeria and the US to strengthen counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, US Africa Command chief, General Dagvin R.M. 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.”

He did not disclose the team’s size or exact role but confirmed it would support Nigerian counterterrorism operations.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, confirmed the US team’s presence but gave no further details. Security sources said the personnel are likely assisting in intelligence gathering and targeting groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The US has criticised Nigeria over its handling of terrorist attacks, with Trump accusing the government of failing to protect Christians in the northwest—a claim Abuja has rejected.

The Federal Government insists its military operations target all armed groups attacking civilians, regardless of religion.

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