U.S. Deploys 100 Advisers to Nigeria for Counterterrorism Training and Support

U.S. Troops Deploy to Nigeria for Counterterrorism Training Mission

Approximately 100 U.S. service members have arrived in Nigeria to train and support the country’s military, U.S. and Nigerian officials confirmed. The deployment follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for assistance in training, technical support, and intelligence sharing aimed at countering extremist threats.

A spokesperson for Nigeria’s armed forces said the U.S. personnel arrived at Bauchi Airfield in northern Nigeria. Their mission is to assist Nigerian forces in identifying and neutralizing extremist groups operating within the country. Nigerian officials emphasized that the U.S. contingent will serve strictly in an advisory capacity and will not participate directly in combat operations.

Mission Scope and Objectives

According to Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, the collaboration will provide specialized technical capabilities to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity and improve protection for vulnerable communities.

U.S. Africa Command confirmed the deployment supports Nigerian-led counterterrorism operations but did not disclose the specific units involved or their home stations. Reuters previously reported that the United States intends to deploy up to 200 troops to Nigeria, with the first elements arriving over the weekend. The timeline for the arrival of the remaining personnel has not been announced.

Context: Recent U.S. Strikes in Sokoto State

The advisory mission follows U.S. military strikes conducted in Sokoto state on Christmas. During that operation, a U.S. Navy destroyer launched several Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting suspected camps linked to the Islamic State and Lakuwara, an affiliated group. Some missiles reportedly failed to detonate. The number of casualties resulting from the strikes has not been confirmed.

In January, President Donald Trump indicated that additional strikes remained under consideration. The deployment of advisers comes amid continued U.S. military engagement in Africa, where airstrikes against ISIS and al-Shabaab have increased over the past year.

Domestic Security Challenges in Nigeria

Nigeria continues to face multiple internal security challenges, particularly in its northern regions. While extremist violence has affected both Muslim and Christian communities, Nigerian officials have rejected claims that violence is exclusively directed at one religious group. Analysts note that several ongoing conflicts in the country are rooted in economic disputes and local instability, in addition to extremist activity.

Northern Nigeria, which is predominantly Muslim, has experienced repeated attacks by militant organizations. Nigerian authorities have stated that enhanced cooperation with U.S. forces is intended to improve intelligence sharing, operational effectiveness, and long-term counterterrorism capabilities.

The current deployment represents an expansion of bilateral security cooperation, with U.S. forces providing advisory and technical support while Nigerian forces retain operational control of counterterrorism efforts.