By: Peace udugba -The daily torch media
Lagos, Nigeria – February 4, 2026
The United States has deployed military personnel to Nigeria as part of expanded cooperation between Washington and Abuja to combat terrorism.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed that both countries agreed on the need for closer military collaboration. While he did not disclose the exact size or mission details of the deployed team, he described it as a small contingent with unique capabilities provided by the United States.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said.
Nigerian Defence Minister Christopher Musa also confirmed that a US team is operating in the country but declined to provide further specifics.
The US had previously conducted surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since late November. However, this marks the first official acknowledgement of US forces on the ground in Nigeria since Washington carried out airstrikes in the country at the end of December 2025.
US officials say the deployed team focuses primarily on intelligence gathering and support to Nigerian forces in their fight against terrorist-affiliated groups.
The development comes after President Donald Trump publicly criticized Nigeria for failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants operating in the northwest, increasing pressure on the country to act.
