The United States has announced plans to send approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s military in its fight against Islamist terrorists, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The deployment is aimed at providing training, technical assistance, and operational support to Nigerian forces combating armed extremist groups in the country’s northwest region.
The announcement followed a series of U.S. military actions in Nigeria, including airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump in December 2025 against Islamic State-affiliated positions.
Last week, the U.S. military disclosed that a small team of personnel had already been deployed to Nigeria, marking the first acknowledgment of American forces on the ground since the airstrikes.
According to a U.S. official, the new deployment of 200 troops will supplement the existing team, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to respond to terrorist threats.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to assist Nigeria in counterterrorism efforts and ensure regional stability,” the official said.
The planned deployment comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of security in the northwest, where Islamist militants have carried out attacks against civilians.
President Trump has previously criticised the Nigerian government, claiming it failed to protect Christian communities from targeted attacks.
The Nigerian government, however, has consistently rejected allegations of systematic religious persecution, emphasising that its security operations target all armed groups responsible for violence, including both Islamist extremists and other criminal factions that threaten civilians regardless of faith.
Officials reiterated that military actions in the region are aimed at protecting all citizens and restoring security to vulnerable communities.
Security experts said that the U.S. deployment could provide critical support to Nigerian forces, particularly in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-IED operations, and combat training.
The move also reflects growing international concern over the escalation of terrorism and the challenges faced by Nigeria’s security forces in maintaining stability across the northwest and other volatile regions.
As the country continues to grapple with recurring attacks, the presence of U.S. troops is expected to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, while also signaling Washington’s commitment to collaborating with African partners in the fight against violent extremism.
The Nigerian military has welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats.
Authorities stressed that all operations will remain under Nigerian command, with U.S. personnel providing advisory and support roles.
