The United States has sent a small contingent of troops to Nigeria, marking its first confirmed military presence on Nigerian soil since airstrikes hit terrorist targets on Christmas Day 2025.
The deployment comes after airstrikes ordered in December 2025 by President Donald Trump, which he said were aimed at “Islamic State targets” in Nigeria.
Trump had earlier suggested that additional US military operations in Nigeria could take place.
The US had carried out surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November 2025, supplying intelligence support ahead of the December airstrikes.
The troop deployment follows an agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Washington to strengthen cooperation against the rising terrorist threat in West Africa.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the Head of U.S. Africa Command, 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 reveal the size or exact responsibilities of the team, but noted that it would assist Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of the US team but declined to provide additional details.
Security sources said the American personnel are likely supporting intelligence gathering and helping Nigerian forces target groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Nigeria has come under strong pressure from Washington over its response to terrorist attacks, especially after US President Donald Trump accused the country of failing to protect Christians in the northwest, an allegation the Federal Government has denied.
The Federal Government has maintained that its military actions are directed at all armed groups that attack civilians, irrespective of religion.
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