The United States is deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical expertise to the Nigerian military as it combats a growing number of Islamist militant groups, according to statements released Wednesday by both U.S. And Nigerian authorities.
The deployment, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Nigeria grapples with a multifaceted security crisis in its north, and follows recent accusations from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Nigerian government was failing to adequately protect Christians from attacks. Nigerian authorities have rejected those accusations, asserting that people of all faiths are targeted by extremist violence.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Defense Headquarters, the U.S. Personnel will not participate in direct combat operations, and Nigerian forces will retain full command authority. “At the invitation of the Government of Nigeria and in continuation of our longstanding security cooperation and military-to-military partnership with the United States, Nigeria will host a contingent of United States technical and training personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a spokesman for the Defense Headquarters.
A U.S. Official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment of approximately 200 troops, as reported by the Associated Press. The official stated that the troops are intended to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to counter extremist groups operating within its borders.
The decision to send troops follows a period of heightened concern over religious violence in Nigeria. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that over 80% of religion-based murders globally in 2024 occurred in Nigeria. Open Doors, a persecution watchdog, lists Nigeria as the seventh most dangerous country in the world for Christians.
Recent attacks attributed to various extremist groups have underscored the severity of the situation. In January, gunmen abducted over 160 worshippers from churches in Kaduna state, targeting Evangelical, Cherubim and Seraphim, and Catholic congregations. Last week, Islamic State jihadists were responsible for the deaths of 162 people in attacks on villages in Kwara state. These groups include Boko Haram, multiple factions aligned with the Islamic State, and Fulani herdsmen, who have been accused of targeting Christian farmers and villages.
Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, who has visited Nigeria, has criticized the Nigerian government’s response to the violence, stating that the Fulani herdsmen are operating with “absolute impunity.” He has repeatedly called on the government to take stronger action to protect its citizens.
U.S. Africa Command has expressed concern over the terrorist activity in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, stating a desire to partner with “capable and willing partners” to address shared security concerns, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Pentagon announced the troop deployment on February 10, 2026, confirming that the personnel will be assigned to locations throughout Nigeria to provide training and technical expertise.
