The United States has deployed approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s military in its fight against Islamist militants, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.
An American military official told the newspaper that the deployment comes weeks after US President Donald Trump criticised Nigeria over its handling of attacks against Christians. The newly deployed troops are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity through training and operational support.
The report stated that the personnel would supplement a small number of US military advisers already in Nigeria, who assist local forces with intelligence gathering and target identification for military operations.
Speaking during a virtual briefing last week, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R. Anderson, confirmed increased security collaboration between both countries following high-level engagements.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We were able to share some thoughts and agree that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings unique capabilities from the United States to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, however, clarified that the partnership is focused on capacity building rather than direct combat operations.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security relationship with the United States, centred on professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue.
“The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.”
Uba added that all engagements with the US are conducted within established bilateral frameworks and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu received a high-level US delegation led by Gen. Anderson at the State House in Abuja. The delegation also included the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nigeria, Keith Heffern.
Discussions during the meeting reportedly focused on strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing regional security efforts.
