The United States military has officially confirmed the deployment of a ground team to Nigeria, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral security cooperation to combat terrorism in West Africa.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), stated on Tuesday that the deployment followed an agreement between Washington and Abuja on the need for closer military collaboration.
While the exact size and operational specifics were not disclosed, Anderson described the contingent as a “small U.S. team” that brings “unique capabilities” to support Nigerian forces.
This move represents a concrete step-up from previous U.S. involvement, which had been limited to surveillance flights over Nigerian territory and a series of airstrikes conducted in late December against Islamic State-affiliated targets.
The airstrikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, were the first overt U.S. military action in Nigeria and signaled a more direct approach.
Nigerian Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, separately confirmed the presence of the U.S. team but also declined to provide details.
According to U.S. officials, the team’s mission is heavily focused on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), providing critical support to Nigerian counter-terrorism operations.
The deployment occurs against a backdrop of intensified attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, particularly in the country’s restive northwest, and sustained pressure from the Trump administration on Nigeria to better protect Christian communities from militant violence.
The Nigerian government maintains it targets all armed groups impartially and denies accusations of systematic religious persecution.
The U.S. military has emphasized that its actions, including the recent deployment, are conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
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