US deploys troops to Nigeria after December airstrikes

The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking its first confirmed ground presence since conducting airstrikes against terrorist targets in the country on Christmas Day 2025.

The deployment follows December strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump on what he described as Islamic State-linked targets. At the time, Trump signalled that further military action in Nigeria remained possible.

According to a Reuters report, the move comes after Washington and Abuja agreed to strengthen security cooperation to counter rising terrorist threats across West Africa.

Head of the U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the partnership had “led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.”

He did not disclose the team’s size or specific responsibilities but noted it would support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa also confirmed the presence of the US personnel but declined to provide details.

Security sources told Reuters the team is likely focused on intelligence gathering and operational support for Nigerian forces fighting groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Reuters also reported that the US had conducted surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since late November 2025, providing intelligence ahead of the December airstrikes.

Nigeria has faced pressure from Washington over its handling of terrorist attacks, including accusations from Trump that the government has failed to protect Christians in parts of the country.

The Federal Government has rejected the claim, maintaining that its operations target all armed groups threatening civilians, regardless of religion.