U.S. Troops to Train Nigeria’s Military Against Terrorism

The Pentagon is gearing up to send around 200 troops to Nigeria in the next few weeks, aimed at enhancing the training of Nigerian forces in counterterrorism methods, according to U.S. officials who shared the information with the media on Tuesday.

A small contingent of U.S. troops has been in Nigeria since last month, assisting local forces in identifying targets for counterterrorism efforts. The deployment of an additional 200 soldiers will aim to bolster intelligence operations throughout the country, along with offering strategic and technical support.

Both American and Nigerian officials confirmed that these U.S. troops won’t engage in combat.

“Terrorist activities in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, are of significant concern for us. We are eager to collaborate with capable partners who can effectively address these mutual security issues,” a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) remarked.

According to Nigerian military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Samaira Uba, this boost in U.S. troop numbers was requested by the Nigerian government.

Interestingly, there were hints that some U.S. operatives might have been present in Nigeria since the U.S. missile strike on Islamic State-related militants last Christmas. This deployment marks the first official acknowledgment of American troops in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s ties with the second Trump administration have been fraught, with President Donald Trump previously criticizing President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military for not adequately protecting Christians from attacks by extremist groups, a point highlighted by human rights organizations.

Tinubu countered Trump’s allegations, pointing out that Nigeria has its share of bandits and extremists targeting both Christians and Muslims. Yet, despite those challenges, he has seemingly become more amenable to U.S. counterterrorism efforts, perhaps influenced by increasing scrutiny amid rising incidents of kidnappings and violence that have devastated communities.

The U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of the relationship with Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy—highlighting shared democratic values. Just last month, the department reinforced their commitment to close security cooperation between the two nations.

The State Department has been particularly focused on showcasing the extensive aid the United States is providing to Nigeria for military education and training, particularly through counterterrorism initiatives.

Notably, a prominent publication noted on Tuesday that, despite ongoing diplomatic rhetoric, U.S. military leaders pointed out that the Nigerian military had become much more receptive to intelligence sharing, joint planning, and further training following tensions between Trump and Tinubu.