Washington to send 200 troops to Nigeria for 'anti-terror' support

• United States plans deployment of 200 troops to assist Nigerian forces against extremist groups.
• American personnel will focus on training, technical support, and intelligence, not frontline combat.

The United States will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria in the coming weeks to strengthen the Nigerian military's capacity in combating extremist groups, Nigerian and US officials confirmed Tuesday.

Read more: 'Israeli' media: Indonesia prepares to send thousands of troops to Gaza

The move forms part of Washington’s broader security strategy in West Africa, aimed at enhancing partnerships with key regional players amid escalating security challenges.

Training, technical guidance, and coordination

Brigadier General Samaila Oba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Defense, said the American forces will primarily provide training and technical assistance.

The US troops are expected to assist in:

• Operational coordination: Linking airstrikes with ground operations.
• Target identification: Joining existing US teams to monitor militant positions.
• Intelligence support: Supplying accurate data to Nigerian air forces and expediting arms acquisitions.
• Oba emphasized that “US forces will not participate in frontline combat or direct operations.”

Diplomatic tensions and differing perspectives

Nigeria faces diplomatic pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump, who has labeled the security situation in some regions as a “genocide”.

Abuja disputes these claims, noting that violence affects all communities. Masad Paul, senior advisor to Trump, countered that extremist groups Boko Haram and Daesh kill more Muslims than Christians.

Experts say the root of conflicts in central Nigeria is primarily competition over land and resources between farmers and herders, rather than purely religious motives.

Shared ground despite political differences

Despite political divergences, Nigeria and the US have collaborated on security operations, including airstrikes in Sokoto State last December.

Nigerian authorities hope the additional US support will curb criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and robberies and reduce the influence of jihadist insurgency in the northeast.