The first group of United States military personnel has arrived in Nigeria as part of a new deployment aimed at deepening cooperation with Nigerian forces in the fight against terrorism, officials confirmed on Friday.
Aircraft carrying the initial contingent of U.S. troops touched down in Maiduguri, Borno State, late Thursday night, with further personnel and equipment expected to arrive over the coming days and weeks.
Roughly 100 U.S. military personnel are understood to have arrived in this first phase, with up to 200 troops expected to be deployed under the broader mission.
According to statements from Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, the American forces will focus on training, intelligence, and technical advisory support rather than direct combat.
Nigerian forces will retain full operational command and authority on the ground, while U.S. personnel provide expertise to strengthen local counter-terrorism operations.
The deployment follows months of discussions between Nigerian and U.S. military officials on expanding security cooperation against a range of violent extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The partnership also includes logistical support, with U.S. military aircraft carrying ammunition and equipment to facilities in northeastern Nigeria, a region long affected by insurgency and violence.
Nigerian authorities have described the collaboration as part of an ongoing strategic security relationship, aimed at building local capacity while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Defence officials have publicly emphasised that any foreign military involvement is designed to support national efforts and is structured under clear policy frameworks.
The presence of U.S. troops is expected to enhance joint mission planning, strengthen intelligence sharing, and improve tactical training for Nigerian forces in volatile northern regions.
While the mission’s mandate is officially non-combatant, its timing underscores the expanding scope of international cooperation in addressing persistent security challenges in West Africa.
