Insecurity: U.S. to Deploy 200 Military Personnel to Nigeria
The United States has announced plans to deploy approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria in the coming weeks to support the country’s armed forces in combating Islamist insurgent groups that have plagued parts of the nation for over a decade.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the development, noting that the deployment will supplement a small team of U.S. military specialists already stationed in Nigeria to assist with air strike targeting.
The move represents a significant expansion of U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation. It follows a series of recent actions, including joint American airstrikes in Nigeria last December and the earlier deployment of U.S. military experts to provide advisory support.
According to officials, the additional personnel will focus on training, technical guidance, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination with Nigerian forces. They will not participate in direct combat operations. Instead, their role will center on planning and synchronizing complex joint missions, including coordinated air and ground operations against jihadist groups.
“We are getting U.S. troops to assist in training and technical support,” Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, told AFP.
A spokesperson for U.S. Africa Command also confirmed the deployment, reiterating that the troops would provide “training and technical guidance,” particularly in coordinating simultaneous air strikes and ground troop maneuvers.
The decision comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement between both countries over Nigeria’s security challenges. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously described the violence in Nigeria as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians, increasing pressure on Abuja to address insecurity more decisively.
Despite diplomatic tensions, both nations have continued to strengthen military collaboration. In December, U.S. forces targeted militants in Sokoto State in a joint operation with Nigerian troops, officials from both countries confirmed.
Going forward, the U.S. military is expected to expand intelligence support for Nigerian air operations and facilitate expedited arms procurement.
While the deployment marks a notable scale-up in cooperation, Nigerian officials have emphasized that U.S. personnel will remain in advisory roles.
“U.S. troops aren’t going to be involved in direct combat or operations,” Uba told the Journal, adding that Nigeria formally requested the additional assistance.
If implemented as outlined, the deployment could signal a new phase in bilateral security ties as both countries intensify efforts to curb insurgency and restore stability in affected regions.
