The United States has deployed team of troops to Nigeria, for a likely ground military operations to combat religious extremism aimed at ending violence against Christians in the country.
The deployment which is the first US military presence since the Christmas Day airstrikes that targeted terrorists in Sokoto, follows an agreement between the Nigerian government and Washington to deepen cooperation against growing terrorist threats in West Africa
President Donald Trump had called on the Nigerian government to end violence against Christians, warning of further military action.
The US had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the December strikes.
Briefing journalist on Tuesday, Head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said US, Nigeria collaboration “has led to the development of “a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.”
He did not disclose the size or specific role of the team but said it would support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Defence Minister also confirmed the team’s presence but declined to give further details.
Security sources cited by Reuters said the Americans are likely involved in intelligence gathering and assisting Nigerian forces in targeting groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Nigeria has faced intense pressure from Washington over its handling of terrorist attacks, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump accused the government of failing to protect Christians in the northwest — a claim the Federal Government has rejected.
The FG has stressed that its military operations target all armed groups that attack civilians, regardless of religion.
