US military confirms deployment of small team to Nigeria amid rising insecurity
U.S. Confirms Troop Deployment in Nigeria Amid Ongoing Insurgency
The United States military has confirmed the deployment of American troops in Nigeria, marking the first acknowledgment of U.S. personnel on the ground since a series of airstrikes conducted in December against alleged Islamic State camps.
Dagvin Anderson, head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), disclosed the deployment, which he described as part of a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing counterterrorism efforts between Washington and Abuja.
The confirmation follows airstrikes authorized by then-President Donald Trump on December 25, 2022. While both U.S. and Nigerian officials characterized the operation as effective, subsequent reports indicated the discovery of unexploded ordnance in civilian areas in Kwara, Niger, and Sokoto states.
In December, Trump threatened military action, describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country” after its designation as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution. The Nigerian government has categorically denied these claims, asserting that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths. Officials have urged the U.S. to focus on supporting Nigeria’s efforts to dismantle terrorist networks rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.
General Anderson emphasized that the deployed unit brings “unique U.S. capabilities.” However, he refrained from specifying the number of troops, their roles, or their operational bases. Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of U.S. military personnel but did not provide further details.
This development arises as Nigeria confronts a persistent insurgency led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both groups have intensified attacks in northeastern Nigeria while attempting to extend their influence into other regions already affected by banditry and communal violence.
In addition to ground operations, the U.S. has been conducting aerial surveillance missions over Nigeria, reportedly from bases in neighboring Ghana.
