U.S. deploys small troop team to Nigeria after December airstrikes targeting ISIS militants

The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, according to the general leading the U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM).

This marks the first public confirmation of American forces operating on the ground in the country since Washington carried out airstrikes on Christmas Day.

President Donald Trump ordered the strikes in December, targeting what he described as Islamic State positions in Nigeria, and warned that further U.S. military action could follow, according to Reuters.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, AFRICOM commander General, Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the troop deployment came after both nations agreed more needed to be done to confront the growing terrorist threat in West Africa.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson told journalists.

However, the general did not disclose details about the size of the team or the scope of its mission. Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that an American team was operating in the country, though he similarly provided no additional information.

A former U.S. official suggested that the team’s role appears to focus heavily on intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces in operations against extremist-linked groups.

Nigeria has faced mounting pressure from Washington, particularly after President Trump accused the country of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants active in the northwest.

The Nigerian government has rejected claims of systematic persecution, insisting it is fighting armed groups that target both Christian and Muslim civilians.

Militants from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have recently intensified attacks on military convoys and communities. The northwest remains the centre of Nigeria’s 17-year Islamist insurgency.

AFRICOM stated that the Christmas Day strike, carried out in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killed several ISIS militants.

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