The United States has officially confirmed the deployment of American soldiers to Nigeria, marking a significant moment in US–Nigeria security relations and raising questions about the scope and implications of foreign military presence in the country.
According to a Reuters report, the confirmation was made by the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, who disclosed that a limited number of US troops are now operating in sensitive parts of Nigeria.
General Anderson explained that the deployment followed a bilateral understanding between Washington and Abuja, aimed at strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
This announcement represents the first public confirmation of US boots on the ground since American airstrikes were carried out in parts of North-east Nigeria on December 25, 2025. DAILY POST had earlier reported that the strikes were authorised by former US President Donald Trump, who said they targeted Islamic State-linked camps in the region.
Although both Nigerian and US authorities initially described the airstrikes as successful, later reports indicated that unexploded ordnance believed to be remnants of the operation was discovered in civilian-populated areas across Kwara, Niger and Sokoto states, triggering public concern.
The December military action came weeks after Trump threatened to take aggressive action against Nigeria following its redesignation by the US as a “country of particular concern,” based on allegations of a so-called “Christian genocide.”
The Nigerian government strongly rejected the claim, insisting that insecurity in the country affects citizens of all religious backgrounds. Authorities urged the United States to focus on supporting Nigeria’s efforts to dismantle terrorist networks rather than promoting narratives capable of deepening national divisions.
Speaking on the nature of the troop deployment, General Anderson said the unit was providing “unique US capabilities” but declined to disclose details regarding the number of personnel involved, their exact locations, or their operational mandate.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of US military personnel in the country but did not offer further clarification on their mission.
The confirmation comes as Nigeria continues to battle a prolonged insurgency led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both groups have intensified attacks in the North-east and are increasingly attempting to expand into the North-west and North-central regions, areas already facing banditry, communal violence and resource-related conflicts.
In addition to ground-level cooperation, reports indicate that the United States has been conducting aerial surveillance over Nigeria, with some operations reportedly launched from nei
Reuters also quoted Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, as confirming the presence of US military personnel in the country, without providing additional clarification.
The latest development comes as Nigeria continues to battle a prolonged insurgency led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Both groups have escalated attacks in the North-east while attempting to spread their influence into the North-west and North-central regions, areas already grappling with banditry, communal clashes and resource-related conflicts.
In addition to ground cooperation, Washington has been conducting aerial surveillance over Nigeria, with flights reportedly operated from neighbouring Ghana.
