The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), marking the first public acknowledgement that American forces are operating on Nigerian soil since Washington came under attack in an airstrike on Christmas Day.
According to the U.S. military, the deployed personnel are part of a limited advisory and support team. Their role is focused on intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and assisting Nigerian forces in tackling extremist violence and widespread criminal activities, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
AFRICOM stressed that the deployment does not involve combat operations and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to confront militant groups that have continued to destabilize communities, displace civilians, and undermine regional security.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram and its splinter factions for over a decade, while banditry—characterised by mass kidnappings, village attacks, and cattle rustling—has escalated in recent years. Both threats have drawn growing international concern due to their humanitarian and security implications.
The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities and regional partners to counter terrorism and restore stability, noting that the presence of its troops is limited and carried out with the consent of the Nigerian government.
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