US deploys 100 soldiers to Nigeria as attacks by armed groups surge | Religion News
U.S. Deploys Troops to Nigeria in Training and Advisory Role Amid Rising Violence
The United States has dispatched 100 military personnel to northern Nigeria to assist local forces amid escalating threats from armed groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-linked factions. Samaila Uba, a spokesman for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, confirmed the troops’ arrival in the northeastern state of Bauchi on Monday.
The U.S. military personnel are tasked with providing technical support and intelligence sharing to help combat terrorist organizations. Uba noted that the U.S. has also sent associated equipment to bolster their efforts.
“It’s important to clarify that the U.S. soldiers will not engage in direct combat,” Uba stated. “They will operate under the full command of Nigerian forces, sharing their technical expertise.”
Uba emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to defeating groups that threaten the nation’s sovereignty and security, as reported by Nigeria’s Premium Times newspaper.
The deployment follows a recent wave of violence that saw gunmen on motorcycles attack three villages in northern Nigeria over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 people and numerous abductions. The most severe incident occurred in Konkoso, Niger State, where 38 individuals were killed.
This troop deployment comes on the heels of a diplomatic rift last year when U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Nigeria for failing to protect Christians from violence and threatened military action. The Nigerian government rejected these accusations, with analysts suggesting that individuals from all faiths are victims of armed group activities.
In December, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS affiliates in northwestern Nigeria. Following discussions with Nigerian officials in Abuja, the head of U.S. Africa Command confirmed that a small team of military officers is in the country to focus on intelligence support.
Nigeria is currently embroiled in a protracted conflict involving numerous local armed groups vying for control, such as Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The situation has been exacerbated by incursions from fighters in the neighboring Sahel region.
The United Nations reports that several thousand people have been killed in Nigeria due to the violence. While Christians have faced targeted attacks, analysts indicate that the majority of victims are Muslims, particularly in the Muslim-dominated north, where most incidents occur. Nigeria has a population of approximately 240 million, evenly divided between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north.
