The United States is set to deepen its security cooperation with Nigeria, with plans to deploy approximately 200 military personnel to train and support Nigerian forces fighting Islamist militant groups, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
“This deployment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to confront extremist threats and improve operational effectiveness on the ground,” the official said.
The planned move follows recent U.S. airstrikes on suspected Islamic State-linked targets in Nigeria, which President Donald Trump described as part of efforts to counter terrorism in West Africa.
“We will not allow terrorist organizations to find safe haven, at the time signaling that further military action could be considered if necessary,”Trump said,
Last week, the U.S. military confirmed it had sent a small team of personnel to Nigeria, marking the first official acknowledgment of American troops on Nigerian soil since air operations conducted on Christmas Day. While the Pentagon did not disclose the number involved, the confirmation underscored Washington’s expanding engagement in the region.
In addition to troop support, the United States has intensified intelligence activities. Reuters reported that U.S. surveillance flights have been operating over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November, a move a defense source described as “part of broader efforts to monitor extremist movements and support partner forces.”
If implemented, the deployment of 200 troops would reinforce a limited U.S. military presence already assisting Nigerian forces in advisory roles. However, U.S. Africa Command has yet to issue an official statement on the reported expansion.
The development comes amid diplomatic strain, after President Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christian communities from Islamist militants in the northwest.
“The situation facing Christians in Nigeria is deeply troubling,” Trump said.
Nigerian authorities have rejected allegations of religious persecution. “Nigeria does not conduct security operations based on religion,” a government spokesperson said.
“Our forces target armed criminal and terrorist groups responsible for attacks on both Christians and Muslims alike.”
The proposed U.S. deployment highlights Nigeria’s growing strategic importance in Washington’s counterterrorism agenda, even as debate continues over the causes of insecurity and the best path to restoring lasting peace.