The United States military has formally confirmed the deployment of a small number of American troops to Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgement of US boots on the ground in the country since airstrikes carried out in December 2025.
According to a report by Reuters, the confirmation was made by the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson.
General Anderson explained that the deployment followed a bilateral understanding between Washington and Abuja aimed at strengthening counterterrorism cooperation.
The confirmation comes weeks after President Donald Trump authorised airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State camps in North-east Nigeria. The strikes were carried out on December 25, 2025.
While both Nigerian and US authorities described the operation as successful, reports later emerged of unexploded ordnance believed to be remnants of the strikes, discovered in civilian-populated areas of Kwara, Niger and Sokoto states.
The December missile attacks occurred shortly after President Trump threatened to go “guns-a-blazing” into what he termed a “now disgraced country,” following Nigeria’s redesignation as a country of particular concern over claims of “Christian genocide.”
The Nigerian government strongly rejected the allegation, insisting that insecurity in the country affects citizens across religious lines. It urged the United States to focus on supporting Nigeria’s efforts to dismantle terrorist networks rather than advancing 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 operational mandate, or specific locations.
Reuters also quoted Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, as confirming the presence of US military personnel in the country, though he did not offer further clarification.
The development comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against 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 seeking to expand their influence into the North-west and North-central regions, areas already facing challenges from banditry, communal violence and resource-related conflicts.
In addition to ground cooperation, the United States has continued aerial surveillance over Nigeria, with reports indicating that some operations are conducted from neighbouring Ghana.