The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking its first acknowledged on-ground military presence in the country since airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day 2025.
The deployment followed US airstrikes ordered in December 2025 by President Donald Trump, which targeted what Washington described as Islamic State-linked positions in Nigeria. Trump had earlier indicated that further military action could be considered.
According to Reuters, the deployment is part of an agreement between the Federal Government and the United States to deepen cooperation against rising terrorist threats in West Africa. The report noted that US surveillance flights had been conducted over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the airstrikes.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed the deployment, saying it reflected increased collaboration between both countries. He said the team would bring “unique capabilities” to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts but did not disclose its size or specific responsibilities.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of the US team, while declining to provide further details.
Security sources cited by Reuters said the personnel are likely involved in intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces in operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The Federal Government has maintained that its security operations target all armed groups attacking civilians, regardless of religious affiliation.
