The United States has deployed a military team to Nigeria as part of expanded cooperation with Nigerian authorities to combat the terrorist group known as Boko Haram.
The deployment follows discussions between Washington and Abuja on the need for closer coordination to address growing security threats posed by extremist groups operating in the region. US officials said the move is intended to strengthen intelligence sharing, operational planning, and counterterrorism efforts.
The decision comes weeks after US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on suspected Islamic State — linked targets in Nigeria, signaling a more assertive American military posture in West Africa. At the time, Trump warned that further US military action could follow if terrorist threats continued to escalate.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed that a US military team is currently operating in the country but declined to provide details about the size of the deployment or the specific nature of its mission.
Boko Haram and its splinter groups have waged a violent insurgency in northeastern Nigeria for more than a decade, carrying out attacks that have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across the Lake Chad region. Despite repeated military offensives by Nigerian forces and regional allies, the group continues to pose a significant security challenge.
Officials on both sides emphasized that the US presence is part of a broader partnership aimed at supporting Nigeria’s efforts to restore stability and prevent the spread of extremist violence in the region.
Daily Trust
