🇺🇸🇳🇬 U.S. Troops Arrive in Nigeria to Support Counterterror Efforts

Approximately 100 U.S. troops and military equipment have arrived in Nigeria to assist local forces in combating Islamic militants and armed groups, the Nigerian military announced Monday.

The deployment follows a formal request from Nigeria seeking training, technical assistance, and intelligence-sharing support from the United States. 🇺🇸

🏛️ Training & Intelligence — Not Combat

According to Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, U.S. personnel will not participate in combat operations and will have no direct operational role. Nigerian forces will retain full command authority over all missions.

The support effort is being coordinated with United States Africa Command, which previously confirmed that a small U.S. team in Nigeria is focused on intelligence assistance.

The deployment also follows recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Islamic State-affiliated militants in northwestern Nigeria.

⚠️ Tensions & Security Challenges

The move comes amid earlier tensions between Nigeria and President Donald Trump, who previously accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christians — allegations that Nigerian officials strongly rejected.

Nigeria continues to face a complex and prolonged security crisis involving extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In addition, ISIS-linked Lakurawa militants and heavily armed “bandit” groups have contributed to widespread instability, including kidnappings, attacks on civilians, and illegal mining operations. ⚠️

🌍 Regional & Global Implications

Security analysts say the U.S. deployment reflects Washington’s continued strategic interest in counterterrorism efforts across West Africa.

While the mission is limited to training and intelligence support, it underscores ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria in addressing extremist threats that have destabilized parts of the region for over a decade.

📌 Stay tuned for updates on U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation and counterterror developments in West Africa.