The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, the commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking during a press briefing, Anderson said the deployment followed discussions between both countries, with an agreement that stronger action was needed to tackle the growing terrorist threat in West Africa.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said.
The AFRICOM chief did not disclose details about the size of the team or the scope of its mission.
However, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that a US team was operating in the country, although he likewise did not provide further information.
The development marks the first official confirmation of US forces on the ground in Nigeria since the Christmas Day 2025 US airstrikes targeting suspected terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West.
US President Donald Trump, who announced that he ordered the strikes against what he described as Islamic State targets, had earlier warned that additional US military action in Nigeria could follow.
Reports also indicate that the US has been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November.
A former US official cited by Reuters said the American team appeared to be involved mainly in intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces to target terrorist-linked groups.
The deployment comes amid increased pressure from Washington on Nigeria to respond to insecurity, after President Trump accused the country of failing to protect Christians from attacks by Islamist militants in the northwest.
The Nigerian government has denied claims of systematic persecution of Christians, insisting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of violence.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to confront Islamist fighters and other armed groups responsible for attacks across the country.
