The United States plans to deploy approximately 200 additional troops to Nigeria to train local forces in the fight against Islamist militants, according to a U.S. official.
The move comes weeks after President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes targeting what he described as Islamic State positions.
Nigerian military authorities confirmed that the incoming American personnel will focus strictly on training and advisory roles, stressing that they will not participate in combat operations and that Nigerian forces will maintain full authority over security decisions.
The deployment follows earlier confirmation that a small U.S. military team had already been sent to Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgment of American troops on the ground since U.S. air operations during the Christmas period.
Washington has also reportedly conducted surveillance flights from neighboring Ghana in recent months.
The reinforcement comes amid heightened violence by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in the northwest, where a long-running insurgency continues to threaten civilians and security forces.
While U.S. officials have criticized Nigeria’s handling of militant violence, especially regarding the protection of Christian communities, the Nigerian government rejects claims of religious persecution, stating that its operations target armed groups attacking both Christians and Muslims alike.
