U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command, Nigeria Army Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, and Nigeria Army Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s chief of Army staff, pose for a photograph outside of the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, Nigeria, Feb. 9, 2026. Anderson, along with a U.S. delegation of military and government leaders, engaged with Nigerian leaders to discuss national military training and laid the groundwork for future force development, real-world training, joint exercises and other unique capabilities that only the United States can provide. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Tucceri)
The United States plans to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in training the country’s armed forces as they confront an ongoing Islamist insurgency. Authorities in Lagos confirmed that the deployment is expected in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. official. This new group of troops will augment a small team of American military officers already working alongside Nigerian forces.
Nigerian officials have emphasized that these American personnel will not participate in direct combat. Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, stated that the troops will act as “technical and training personnel.” This decision follows recent military actions taken by U.S. forces in the region, including airstrikes against ISIS targets on December 25, 2022.
The deployment follows a series of statements from President Donald Trump, who referred to the individuals targeted in the airstrikes as “ISIS Terrorist Scum.” According to U.S. Africa Command, the preliminary assessment indicated that multiple ISIS fighters were eliminated in the strikes conducted in Sokoto State. The President later acknowledged that the timing of the operation was largely symbolic, having postponed the attack to deliver what he termed a “Christmas present” to the insurgents.
In the lead-up to the airstrikes, Trump publicly demanded the protection of Christians in Nigeria, asserting that they have faced extreme violence. He stated during a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, “When Christians come under attack, [their assailants] know they’re going to be attacked violently and viciously by President Trump.” His comments have sparked debates about the nature of the violence in Nigeria, which has affected both Christians and Muslims.
The Nigerian government has countered claims of a targeted genocide against Christians, stating that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa do not discriminate based on religion. These groups have perpetrated violence across various communities, regardless of religious affiliation. The ongoing violence in Nigeria is rooted in both sectarian tensions and longstanding conflicts over land and water resources.
In response to the growing threat of terrorism, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, reiterated the U.S. commitment to collaborative efforts in combatting terrorism in the region. He stated, “U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to ongoing violence and threats against innocent lives.” The goal, he added, is to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they operate.
As the deployment approaches, the focus remains on strengthening Nigeria’s military capabilities while addressing the complex dynamics of violence that affect both Christian and Muslim communities. The situation underscores the United States’ strategic interest in stability within Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, amidst ongoing challenges posed by insurgent groups.
