The United States will send 200 troops to Nigeria to help train its armed forces in the fight against jihadist groups, officials from both countries have confirmed.
Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, said the US troops will assist with training and provide technical support. The deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The additional American personnel are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. They will join a small US team already in Nigeria that helps with air strike targeting.
Focus on Training, Not Combat
According to officials, the US troops will not take part in direct combat operations. Instead, they will focus on training Nigerian forces and offering technical guidance. This includes helping coordinate operations that combine air strikes and ground troops.
A spokesperson for US Africa Command confirmed that the troops will support Nigeria by improving operational planning and intelligence sharing. The US has also pledged to supply intelligence for Nigerian air strikes and speed up arms purchases.
General Uba said Nigeria requested the additional support.
Security Challenges in Nigeria
Nigeria has been battling insecurity for years. In the northeast, the military continues to fight jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In the northwest, armed gangs—commonly referred to as “bandits”—carry out kidnappings for ransom and attacks on villages.
In central Nigeria, violence frequently breaks out between mostly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders. Researchers say these clashes are often driven by competition over land and shrinking natural resources rather than religion alone.
Diplomatic Tensions and Cooperation
The move comes amid diplomatic pressure from Washington over insecurity in Nigeria. US President Donald Trump has previously described the violence as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians.
However, Nigerian authorities have rejected claims of targeted Christian persecution. Independent analysts also argue that both Muslims and Christians are victims of violence, pointing instead to broader security failures and weak governance in affected regions.
Despite differences in interpretation, Nigeria and the United States have increased military cooperation in recent months. In December, the US carried out strikes against militants in Sokoto State in a joint operation with Nigerian forces.
Strengthening Military Ties
The deployment of 200 troops marks a significant step in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries. While the US presence remains limited to training and advisory roles, officials hope the support will help Nigeria better coordinate operations and improve its fight against armed groups.
As Africa’s most populous country continues to face multiple security threats, the expanded partnership signals a shared interest in stabilizing the region and reducing extremist violence.
