The United States is set to deploy about 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military in its fight against Islamist militants, a U.S. official confirmed on Tuesday.
The move comes weeks after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State targets in Nigeria. It also marks an expansion of Washington’s security engagement in Africa’s most populous nation.
Last week, the U.S. military acknowledged sending a small team of personnel to Nigeria but did not specify the number. The latest disclosure provides clarity, indicating that the 200 troops will reinforce a handful of U.S. military advisers already on ground.
According to the official, the deployment is focused on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces through training and operational support, rather than direct combat involvement.
President Trump has signalled that further U.S. military action in Nigeria remains possible. Reports have also indicated that U.S. surveillance flights have been conducted over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Nigeria has faced mounting pressure from Washington following allegations by President Trump that the Nigerian government was failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants in parts of the northwest.
The Nigerian government has denied any systematic persecution of Christians, maintaining that security forces are combating insurgents and criminal groups that target both Christians and Muslims.
Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilian communities, particularly in the northeast and northwest regions. The insurgency, now in its 17th year, remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges.
Nigeria, with a population of over 230 million, is roughly evenly split between Christians, who are predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are predominant in the north.
The planned U.S. deployment underscores growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation and signals deeper military cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
