US Deploys Troops to Nigeria Following December Airstrikes

The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first official US military presence on the ground since airstrikes targeted terrorist positions on Christmas Day 2025.

The deployment follows airstrikes ordered in December 2025 by former President Donald Trump against what he described as “Islamic State targets” in the country, with further US military action in Nigeria indicated at the time.

Prior to the strikes, the US had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the December operations. The current deployment comes after an agreement between the Nigerian government and Washington to enhance cooperation against growing terrorist threats in West Africa.

Head of the U.S. Africa Command, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said on Tuesday, “This has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.” He did not provide details on the team’s size or specific roles but confirmed it would support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. Defence Minister Christopher Musa also acknowledged the team’s presence without elaborating further.

Security sources suggest the American personnel are likely engaged in intelligence gathering and assisting Nigerian forces in operations against groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Nigeria has faced pressure from Washington over its handling of terrorist attacks, particularly following Trump’s accusations that the government failed to protect Christians in the northwest — claims the Nigerian government has rejected. The federal authorities emphasise that their military operations target all armed groups attacking civilians, irrespective of religion.