Abuja, Nigeria – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has officially confirmed the deployment of a small team of American troops to Nigeria, marking a rare public acknowledgment of U.S. military presence in the country.
The confirmation follows airstrikes reportedly carried out on Christmas Day on the directive of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had warned that further military action could follow if necessary.
Reports had earlier suggested that the United States was conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria, raising questions about the scope of U.S. military involvement in West Africa. AFRICOM has now confirmed that a limited troop deployment is underway.
Speaking to reporters, the head of AFRICOM, General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, said the deployment was made possible through a bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja.
“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 said.
He declined to provide specific details about the mission, its duration, or the exact nature of the troops’ activities.
The confirmation has sparked renewed debate about foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s security operations, particularly amid ongoing challenges posed by terrorism, banditry, and regional instability.
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