Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign has entered a new phase after U.S. Africa Command confirmed that American troops are now operating in the country as part of a renewed security cooperation agreement between both governments.
U.S. AFRICOM commander, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, disclosed that the deployment followed high-level discussions between Washington and Abuja on the growing threat posed by extremist groups across West Africa. He said both countries agreed that enhanced collaboration was necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s security response.
The U.S. presence involves a limited military team providing specialized support capabilities, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and strategic coordination. While officials declined to disclose operational details, the mission is focused on supporting Nigerian forces rather than conducting independent combat operations.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of the U.S. team, describing the engagement as part of ongoing bilateral efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and improve regional stability.
The deployment marks the first public confirmation of U.S. personnel on Nigerian soil since American airstrikes targeted suspected terrorist locations in the country’s northwest in late 2025. Those strikes, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, were aimed at Islamic State–linked factions operating in the region.
The U.S. has also reportedly intensified aerial surveillance operations in the region in recent months. Both governments maintain that the partnership respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and is designed to boost the capacity of local forces to confront terrorism more effectively.
