The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first confirmed presence of U.S. forces on the ground since American airstrikes were carried out on Christmas Day.
The deployment follows December air operations ordered by President Donald Trump against Islamic State-linked targets in Nigeria, with the White House signaling the possibility of further military action.
U.S. and Nigerian authorities agreed that stronger measures were needed to counter growing terrorist activity in West Africa, prompting deeper cooperation between the two countries.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the team’s presence but did not disclose details about its size or mission, while Nigeria’s defense minister also acknowledged the deployment without elaboration.
Former U.S. officials indicated the team is largely focused on intelligence support and assisting Nigerian forces in operations against extremist groups.
The move comes as Washington increases pressure on Nigeria over security concerns, particularly following accusations that Islamist militants are targeting Christians in the northwest—claims the Nigerian government denies, saying both Christians and Muslims are victims of the violence.
Attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have intensified, with the insurgency now in its 17th year. U.S. Africa Command said a recent coordinated strike in Sokoto state killed several ISIS militants.
