The United States has confirmed that a small number of its troops are currently operating in Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgement of American forces on the ground since Washington carried out airstrikes in the country on Christmas Day.
The airstrikes targeted suspected terrorist locations in Jabo, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and were described by the US military as highly effective.
The development follows earlier warnings by former US President Donald Trump, who in October claimed that Christians in Nigeria faced an “existential threat” and suggested possible US intervention if attacks continued.
According to Reuters, the head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the deployment resulted from discussions between Washington and Abuja on the need to intensify efforts against terrorism in West Africa.
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He noted that the agreement led to deeper cooperation, including the presence of a small US team providing specialised capabilities.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed that US personnel are operating in the country but did not disclose details of their activities.
A former US official said the team is primarily involved in intelligence gathering and providing operational support to Nigerian forces conducting strikes against terrorist-linked groups.
The move comes amid increased pressure from Washington following accusations that Nigeria was not doing enough to protect Christian communities from Islamist militants in the northwest.
Nigerian authorities have rejected claims of religious targeting, maintaining that military operations are directed at Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other armed groups attacking both Christian and Muslim civilians.
The deployment also follows recent delivery of additional US military equipment to Nigeria, underscoring growing security cooperation between both countries as Abuja intensifies its counterterrorism campaign and efforts to stabilise the region.
