By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States has announced plans to deploy approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria to assist in training the country’s armed forces as they confront longstanding insurgent and extremist threats, according to U.S. officials.
The troop deployment, expected to arrive in the coming weeks, is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s ability to fight Islamist militants and other security threats through training, technical guidance and intelligence support rather than direct combat operations. U.S. military sources say the troops will help Nigerian units coordinate complex operations, including air and ground actions against groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates.
Major General Samaila Uba, spokesman for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, confirmed that U.S. forces will focus on training and technical support, and will not be directly engaged in frontline combat. Nigeria requested the additional assistance as part of wider security cooperation with Washington.
The deployment expands existing collaboration between the two nations following earlier measures, including U.S. missile strikes on militants in northwest Nigeria in December 2025 and the presence of a smaller team of U.S. military personnel already in the country.
The move comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement between President Donald Trump’s administration and Abuja over the country’s security challenges.
Trump has previously cited concerns over terrorism and civilian protection in Nigeria, and discussions between U.S. and Nigerian military leaders have taken place to strengthen bilateral efforts against insurgency.
While some commentators have speculated about broader U.S. military involvement, Nigerian and American officials emphasise that the mission is limited to capacity building and strategic support, reaffirming respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
