Author: Gist Correspondent

The United States military has confirmed the deployment of a small contingent of its forces to Nigeria as part of expanded security cooperation between Washington and Abuja aimed at combating terrorism and related threats.

The confirmation was made by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, who said the decision followed discussions between both countries on the need for closer military collaboration to strengthen counter-terrorism operations.

Speaking on Tuesday, Anderson said the deployment involves a limited team with specialised capabilities designed to support Nigerian forces. He, however, declined to disclose the size of the team or specific operational details.

According to him, the agreement between Nigeria and the United States has led to increased cooperation, including the presence of a US team providing unique support capabilities.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, also confirmed that a US military team is currently operating in the country but did not provide further information on its mandate or duration.

The confirmation follows earlier reports that the US military had been conducting intelligence and surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November, signalling heightened security coordination between the two countries.

The deployment marks the first official acknowledgment of US forces operating on Nigerian soil since airstrikes ordered by US President Donald Trump in December, which he said targeted Islamic State elements in the country. Trump had warned at the time that further military action could follow.

US officials said the deployed team is primarily focused on intelligence gathering and providing support to Nigerian forces battling terrorist-affiliated groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Nigeria has faced growing pressure from Washington following accusations by President Trump that the country has failed to protect Christian communities from Islamist militants, particularly in the northwest. The Nigerian government has rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that its security operations target armed groups attacking both Christians and Muslims.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilian communities, with the northwest remaining a key flashpoint in Nigeria’s long-running insurgency.

AFRICOM disclosed that a recent US airstrike carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killed several Islamic State militants. The strike followed repeated warnings by President Trump that Christianity faces serious threats in Nigeria and that the United States could intervene militarily if violence persists.