US troops arrive in Nigeria to support training and advisory operations amid ongoing security challenges.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and equipment in Nigeria. The troops landed at Bauchi Airfield as part of a strategic deployment to enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to DHQ, the personnel are in Nigeria at the request of the Federal Government, focusing on training, technical support, advisory roles, and intelligence sharing. The Nigerian military emphasized that operational control remains solely with Nigerian forces, and the U.S. personnel are not involved in combat operations.
This deployment is a key step in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities, particularly in the northeast, where groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active. Officials note that up to 200 U.S. military personnel may eventually be stationed in Nigeria under this cooperative arrangement, aimed at bolstering national security while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
