The United States has deployed a small contingent of troops to Nigeria, marking its first official on-the-ground military presence in the country since airstrikes carried out against terrorist targets on Christmas Day 2025.
The deployment followed the December 2025 strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump, which he said were aimed at Islamic State-linked targets in Nigeria, amid indications from Washington that further military action could be taken if necessary.
According to a report by Reuters on Tuesday, the presence of the US troops is part of a new understanding between Washington and the Federal Government to strengthen cooperation against the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa.
The Head of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, confirmed the development during a press briefing, saying closer collaboration between both countries had resulted in the deployment of a small American team.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said, without disclosing the size or specific responsibilities of the team.
Reuters also reported that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of the US personnel in Nigeria but declined to provide further operational details.
Security sources cited in the report said the American troops are likely involved in intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces in targeting extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Prior to the December airstrikes, the US had reportedly been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the operation.
The deployment comes amid sustained pressure from Washington over Nigeria’s handling of terrorist attacks, particularly after President Trump accused the Federal Government of failing to protect Christians in parts of the northwest, an allegation Abuja has repeatedly rejected.
The Federal Government has maintained that its military operations are directed at all armed groups attacking civilians, irrespective of religious affiliation.