The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, the first official confirmation of American forces on the ground in the West African country since the Christmas Day airstrike targeting ISIS positions, according to the general leading the U.S. Africa Command.
President Donald Trump ordered the airstrikes in December, describing the targets as ISIS strongholds in Nigeria, and indicated the possibility of further military actions. Earlier reports suggested that the U.S. had conducted reconnaissance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since late November.
The deployment comes after bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian authorities on the need to intensify counterterrorism efforts in West Africa. While details on troop numbers and mission scope remain undisclosed, the general noted that the U.S. personnel are likely involved in intelligence gathering and enabling Nigerian forces to conduct strikes against terrorist-linked groups.
Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of the U.S. team but provided no further specifics. The U.S. has reportedly pressured Nigeria to take stronger action, with President Trump criticizing the country for failing to protect Christians in the northwestern regions from Islamic militants.
