The United States will deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training to the Nigerian armed forces, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.
The planned deployment was confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and reported by Reuters and other international news agencies.
The move follows earlier deployment of a smaller team of U.S. military personnel to Nigeria that was publicly acknowledged by AFRICOM.
Nigeria has been engaged in long‑running security operations against armed groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
A U.S. official said the 200 troops will train Nigerian forces to help coordinate and improve operations against Islamist militant groups.
U.S. Africa Command said the additional deployment is expected to supplement an existing U.S. military presence already in Nigeria.
Reports indicate that the U.S. military’s engagement includes training, technical guidance and support to help Nigerian forces coordinate operations involving air and ground elements.
The Pentagon confirmed that the troops are expected to arrive in Nigeria in the coming weeks as part of ongoing security cooperation.
U.S. officials also reported that the additional deployment was discussed during meetings between the Commander of U.S. Africa Command and Nigerian officials.
The deployment represents an expansion of military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria in the context of counter‑terrorism training.
Training by U.S. personnel is intended to support Nigerian forces’ capability to plan and conduct coordinated operations against militant organisations.
Both countries have reiterated that the engagement focuses on training and support rather than direct U.S. combat operations.
