US plans send more troops to Nigeria
The United States is considering sending about 200 additional troops to Nigeria to strengthen ongoing security cooperation, according to a report by The New York Times.
The proposed deployment would add to a small contingent of American special forces already in the country, working alongside Nigerian authorities in efforts to curb insurgency and militant activities.
Last week, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed that a team of US experts had been dispatched to Nigeria following high-level discussions with President Bola Tinubu.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We were able to share some thoughts and agree that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings unique capabilities from the United States to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
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According to the newspaper, the additional troops under consideration would focus on training and providing technical support to Nigerian forces rather than participating directly in combat operations.
A US official quoted in the report said the personnel would be spread across various locations in the country, offering training and specialist expertise. The troops are also expected to reinforce American advisers who have been assisting Nigerian soldiers in identifying potential terrorist targets using shared intelligence.
Washington’s growing engagement with Abuja follows heightened diplomatic exchanges between both countries in recent months.
Late last year, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious persecution. The move prompted diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government, including a visit to Washington by a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
In December, a US delegation headed by Congressman Riley Moore, tasked with examining claims of violence against Christians, visited Nigeria and met victims of insecurity.
Security cooperation between the two nations drew attention during the Christmas Day strikes on ISIS-linked targets in Sokoto State. The operation reportedly followed intelligence support involving US surveillance flights and joint analysis by American and Nigerian teams.
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Gen. Anderson has since met senior Nigerian officials, while his deputy, Lt. Gen. John Brennan, visited Abuja earlier to signal deeper military partnership. President Tinubu also recently received top US security officials at the Presidential Villa.
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