US Sends Troops to Nigeria After December Airstrikes
The United States has deployed a small team of American troops to Nigeria to support counterterrorism operations following airstrikes carried out in December against terrorist targets, US officials said.
According to US defense sources, the deployment is intended to provide advisory, intelligence, and logistical support to Nigerian forces as they continue operations against extremist groups operating in the region. The troops are not expected to take on a direct combat role.
The move comes after recent US airstrikes targeted suspected terrorist infrastructure linked to militant groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces. Officials said the airstrikes were conducted in coordination with regional partners as part of broader efforts to degrade terrorist networks in West Africa.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges from insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State–affiliated militants, particularly in the country’s northeast. The Nigerian government has welcomed international cooperation but has emphasized that local forces remain in the lead on all military operations.
US officials stressed that the deployment is limited in size and scope and does not signal a long-term expansion of American military presence in Nigeria. “This is a targeted mission focused on supporting our partners and enhancing their ability to address shared security threats,” one official said.
Further details on the duration of the deployment and the exact number of troops were not disclosed.
