U.S. Deploys Ground Troops to Nigeria Following Airstrikes, Citing Terror Threat
U.S. Deploys Ground Troops – The United States has deployed a small team of military personnel to Nigeria, marking the first acknowledged U.S. ground presence since American airstrikes hit the country on Christmas Day.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed the deployment on Tuesday.
The deployment follows direct airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump against Islamic State targets in Nigeria last December.
A Response to Increased Collaboration
General Anderson announced the deployment during a press briefing, linking it to a broader agreement between the two nations.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” he stated.
The general connected the deployment to a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Rome late last year. However, he did not specify the team’s size, exact mission, or arrival date. Similarly, Nigerian Defense Minister Christopher Musa confirmed a U.S. team was working in the country but provided no further details.
Focus on Intelligence and Enforcement
A former U.S. official indicated the team is heavily involved in intelligence gathering. Primarily, their role is to enable Nigerian forces to strike terrorist groups more effectively.
This deployment represents the latest step since the December 25 airstrikes, which the U.S. military said killed multiple ISIS militants in Sokoto state in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Background of Pressure and Conflict
Washington has exerted intense pressure on Nigeria recently. President Trump has repeatedly accused the West African nation of failing to protect its Christian citizens from Islamist militants. Following these allegations, the U.S. designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious oppression.
The Nigerian government firmly denies any systematic persecution, asserting that its military targets all armed groups attacking both Christian and Muslim civilians.
Meanwhile, terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks on military and civilian targets. The northwest region remains the epicenter of a devastating 17-year insurgency.
The tragic human cost of this conflict was underscored last month when an armed group launched simultaneous attacks on three churches in Kaduna state, abducting 168 people.
U.S. Deploys Ground Troops – A Complex Partnership
This new military cooperation emerges from a complex diplomatic dispute. While the precise terms remain unclear, the U.S. has already supplied Nigeria with military equipment and conducted reconnaissance missions.
The deployment of American troops on the ground now establishes a deeper, more direct partnership aimed at combating a persistent terrorist threat.
U.S. Deploys Ground Troops
