The United States will send 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in training its armed forces against jihadist groups, Nigerian and American officials confirmed Tuesday, marking an expansion of military cooperation between Washington and the West African nation.
“We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support,” Major General Samaila Uba, a spokesman for Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, told AFP.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the planned deployment, which will complement a small US team already in Nigeria aiding the country with air strike targeting.
According to the report, the incoming troops, expected to arrive in the coming weeks, will provide “training and technical guidance,” helping Nigerian forces coordinate operations involving both air strikes and ground maneuvers. A spokeswoman for US Africa Command confirmed the details to AFP.
Nigeria has faced diplomatic pressure from the United States over insecurity, which US President Donald Trump has described as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians.
While Christians are sometimes specifically targeted, Muslims also face mass killings.
Last year, Trump’s senior advisor on Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, stated that Boko Haram and Islamic State “are killing more Muslims than Christians.”
Abuja rejects claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, a narrative often advanced by the US religious right. Independent analysts also argue the violence reflects broader state failure to contain jihadist groups and armed gangs in sparsely governed areas.
Despite tensions, Nigeria and the United States have agreed to increase military cooperation. In December, US forces aided Nigeria in targeting militants in northwest Sokoto state in a joint operation.
Looking ahead, the US military will supply intelligence for Nigerian air strikes and help accelerate arms acquisitions.
While the 200-troop deployment represents a boost in collaboration, Uba emphasized that “US troops aren’t going to be involved in direct combat or operations.”
He also noted that Nigeria requested the additional support.
Africa’s most populous country continues to face a protracted jihadist insurgency in the northeast, while armed “bandit” gangs carry out kidnappings and village raids in the northwest.
Central regions experience recurring violence between mostly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders, largely driven by competition over limited land and resources.
