LunagisthubUS Deploys Military Team to Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
The United States has officially confirmed the deployment of a small team of military personnel to Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgment of US forces on the ground in the West African nation. General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), made the announcement, citing increased collaboration between the US and Nigeria to combat terrorism .
The deployment follows airstrikes conducted by the US military in December 2025, targeting Islamic State-linked fighters in Sokoto State. The operation was authorized by US President Donald Trump, who had expressed concerns over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian government has denied any systematic persecution, stating that its military operations target all armed groups that attack civilians .
According to General Anderson, the US team will provide “unique capabilities” to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. The deployment is part of a broader effort to enhance security cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on intelligence gathering and enabling Nigerian forces to strike terrorist-affiliated groups .
The presence of US troops in Nigeria highlights the ongoing security challenges in the country, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to pose a significant threat. The deployment also underscores the growing cooperation between the US and Nigeria in addressing regional security concerns .
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