The United States has announced plans to deploy about 200 troops to Nigeria to support the training of the country’s military as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat terrorism in the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a report by Reuters, a US official said the deployment will reinforce a small number of American military personnel already operating in Nigeria.
The move comes amid growing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where insurgent groups and criminal gangs have continued to carry out deadly attacks, kidnappings, and raids on communities.
The deployment is part of a renewed security partnership between both countries, which has intensified following the decision by US President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a country of particular concern over allegations of religious persecution.
The renewed cooperation is aimed at improving intelligence sharing, strengthening counterterrorism operations, and enhancing the operational capacity of Nigerian security forces.
Last week, Dagvin Anderson, commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Abuja, where he held high-level talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top security officials, including Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser; Christopher Musa, the minister of defence; Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of defence staff; Waidi Shaibu, the chief of army staff; and other senior military leaders.
During the meetings, both sides discussed shared security priorities, with emphasis on tackling terrorist organisations that pose threats to Nigeria, the wider West African region, and international security.
Anderson said some US forces had already been deployed in Nigeria under an expanded bilateral agreement focused on counterterrorism and intelligence cooperation, although he did not disclose the exact number.
He explained that the additional troops will concentrate on intelligence gathering, specialised training, and operational support for Nigerian forces, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and banditry.
The renewed collaboration follows a recent joint operation on Christmas Day, when US forces launched precision missile strikes on two terrorist hideouts in the Bauni forest, Tangaza LGA of Sokoto state.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was based on intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between both countries, adding that it aligned with established international practices and bilateral agreements.
