Breaking: US Sends 200 Troops to Nigeria to Boost Military Training Against Militants
The United States has deployed 200 military personnel to Nigeria to assist in training the country’s armed forces in counterterrorism operations, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The deployment comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle Islamist militant groups and enhance security in the region.
An American military official said the personnel will provide operational support and training to Nigerian forces, complementing existing advisory teams already present in the country.
Speaking during a virtual briefing, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R. Anderson, highlighted increased collaboration between Nigeria and the US following high-level engagements.
“I met with President Tinubu, and we discussed ways to work together to improve security in the region. This has led to enhanced cooperation, including deploying a small team with unique capabilities to support Nigeria,” Gen. Anderson said.
The Defence Headquarters clarified that the US troops are not involved in combat operations. Their mission focuses on capacity building, intelligence sharing, logistics, and strategic planning to tackle terrorism effectively.
Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, emphasized that all engagements with the United States respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and operate within established bilateral frameworks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria maintain a structured security partnership with the United States. The deployment is purely for support, training, and operational collaboration,” Maj. Gen. Uba stated.
President Bola Tinubu also hosted a high-level US delegation at the State House in Abuja, which included Gen. Anderson and the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Keith Heffern.
During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing military readiness, and addressing shared security challenges in the region.
The US troops will work closely with Nigerian forces to improve training standards, operational efficiency, and the use of advanced technology in counterterrorism operations.
Officials highlighted that the collaboration is part of a long-standing security partnership, aiming to tackle threats from militant groups and strengthen regional stability.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters reassured the public that the collaboration with the US is strategic, limited, and focused solely on professional development and intelligence support.
Security experts have described the deployment as a positive step towards enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities against terrorism and insurgency.
Local communities are expected to benefit indirectly from improved military training, as enhanced security operations reduce risks of attacks and promote stability.
The move reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling global threats.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty while welcoming the support, emphasizing that the partnership is intended to build local capacity rather than replace Nigerian forces.
Officials assured Nigerians that all operational decisions remain under Nigerian command and oversight, with US personnel serving in a purely advisory and support capacity.
The Defence Headquarters encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with security agencies to ensure public safety.