The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria following airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump in December 2025 against Islamic State-linked targets. The deployment is part of increased collaboration between the country and Nigeria to combat terrorist threats in West Africa, particularly from groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of US Africa Command, stated that the United States team brings unique capabilities to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts .
The airstrikes, carried out in Sokoto state, targeted Islamic State militants and were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The United States had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since late November 2025, providing intelligence support ahead of the strikes.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of United States personnel but declined to provide further details. The Nigerian government has rejected accusations of failing to protect Christians, stating that its military operations target all armed groups attacking civilians, regardless of religion.
