The United States has sent a small troop contingent to Nigeria to support counterterrorism efforts following December 2025 airstrikes and renewed security cooperation.
The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking its first official ground military presence since airstrikes targeted suspected terrorist positions on Christmas Day 2025. The deployment follows airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump against what he described as “Islamic State targets,” amid indications that further US military action could occur.
According to Reuters, the move followed an agreement between Abuja and Washington to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation. The head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the deployment “has led to increased collaboration between our nations,” while Nigerian Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed the team’s presence without disclosing details.