US confirms deployment of troops to Nigeria amid rising insecurity

The United States military has officially confirmed the presence of American troops in Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgment of boots on the ground since US airstrikes in December 2025.

According to Reuters, the announcement came from Dagvin Anderson, head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

He stated that the deployment was part of a bilateral understanding between Washington and Abuja aimed at strengthening counterterrorism cooperation.

“The unit is offering unique US capabilities,” Mr Anderson said, declining to provide details about the number of personnel, operational locations, or their specific mandate.

The deployment follows earlier reports that President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes on Islamic State camps in North-east Nigeria on 25 December 2025.

While both US and Nigerian authorities described the operation as successful, subsequent reports emerged of unexploded ordnance found in civilian areas across Kwara, Niger, and Sokoto states.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of US military personnel in the country but did not offer further clarification.

The development comes as Nigeria battles persistent insurgency by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Both groups have intensified attacks in the North-east while attempting to expand influence into North-west and North-central regions, areas already affected by banditry, communal clashes, and resource-related conflicts.

In addition to ground cooperation, the US has been conducting aerial surveillance over Nigeria, with flights reportedly operated from neighbouring Ghana.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of “Christian genocide,” urging the US to focus on dismantling terrorist networks rather than advancing narratives that could deepen national divisions.

The presence of American troops highlights continued collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in addressing security challenges, though details about the mission remain largely undisclosed.