The United States is set to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military in its fight against jihadist groups, according to officials from both nations, as Washington deepens military ties with the West African nation.
“We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support,” Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, said.
An earlier report revealed that the deployment will reinforce a small US team already operating in Nigeria to support air strike targeting efforts.
The additional personnel, expected in the coming weeks, will offer “training and technical guidance,” including assistance to Nigerian forces in coordinating joint operations involving both air strikes and ground troops, the report stated.
A spokesperson for the US Africa Command confirmed the information.
Nigeria has faced diplomatic pressure from the United States over the country’s security challenges, which US President Donald Trump has described as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians.
While there have been cases where Christians were specifically targeted, large numbers of Muslims have also been killed. Trump’s senior advisor on Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, stated last year that Boko Haram and Islamic State “are killing more Muslims than Christians.”
The Nigerian government has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in the country, a narrative often promoted by the US religious right.
Independent analysts have also rejected that framing, pointing instead to broader governance failures in addressing violence carried out by jihadist groups and armed gangs across vast, poorly governed rural areas.
Despite diplomatic tensions, both countries have strengthened military cooperation.
In December, US forces conducted strikes against militants in Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria as part of a joint operation with Nigerian authorities, officials from both sides confirmed.
Looking ahead, the US military has pledged to provide intelligence support for Nigerian air operations and to accelerate the processing of arms sales.
Although deploying 200 troops marks an expansion of cooperation, “US troops aren’t going to be involved in direct combat or operations,” Uba said.
He added that Nigeria requested the extra support.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, continues to confront a prolonged jihadist insurgency in the northeast.
In the northwest, criminal groups commonly referred to as bandits carry out kidnappings for ransom and attack communities.
Meanwhile, in central Nigeria, clashes frequently occur between predominantly Christian farming communities and Muslim Fulani herders, though researchers indicate that competition over shrinking land and natural resources remains the primary driver of the conflict.
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