A top United States military official has revealed that a limited American military contingent has been deployed to Nigeria, signaling a deepening of security ties between both nations as Nigeria continues to confront persistent jihadist threats.
The commander of the US Africa Command (Africom), Dagvin Anderson, disclosed the development on Tuesday, February 3, explaining that the move followed renewed discussions with Nigerian officials on strategies to address the country’s growing security challenges.
His remarks come shortly after the United States launched air strikes against militant positions in Nigeria on December 25, an operation authorised during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
According to Anderson, both countries agreed on the need for closer coordination in responding to regional insecurity. He noted that the decision has resulted in enhanced cooperation, including the deployment of a small US team equipped with specialised capabilities to complement Nigeria’s long-standing counter-terrorism efforts.
However, Africom did not provide details on the number of personnel involved or the exact functions the team will perform.
US defence officials said the strengthened partnership also covers expanded intelligence sharing and logistical assistance as Nigerian forces battle Islamist armed groups across multiple regions. Africom previously confirmed that the December air strikes targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State in Sokoto State, in Nigeria’s north-west.
The United States added that its support will focus on both the north-west and north-east regions, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have continued violent campaigns for nearly 20 years.
The increased cooperation follows controversial claims by Donald Trump alleging a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria — an assertion disputed by the Nigerian government and security analysts, who argue that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims alike.
Nigeria’s security crisis is rooted in a complex mix of jihadist insurgency, criminal banditry and communal clashes across a country divided broadly between a Muslim-majority north and a Christian-majority south.
US officials stressed that the latest deployment is designed to reinforce Nigeria’s ongoing operations rather than supplant them, as both countries work to curb the spread of extremist violence in the region.
