The United States is planning to deploy an additional 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s fight against insecurity, according to a report by The New York Times.
The planned deployment will add to the small number of U.S. special forces already operating in Nigeria to assist local security agencies in combating militant groups.
Last week, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R. Anderson, confirmed that a U.S. team of experts had been sent to Nigeria following discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We were able to share some thoughts and agree that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small U.S. team that brings unique capabilities from the United States to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
According to the New York Times report, the additional troops will not take part in combat operations but will focus on training Nigerian forces and providing technical expertise. A U.S. official said the troops would be deployed to various locations across Nigeria.
“The troops will augment a small team of U.S. forces who have been in the West African nation for weeks, assisting local soldiers with identifying potential terrorist targets for strikes using American and Nigerian intelligence,” the official said.
U.S. interest in Nigeria intensified after President Donald Trump late last year redesignated the country as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious persecution. Trump had also reportedly directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible actions related to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has rejected the allegations. In response, President Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to Washington to engage U.S. officials.
In December, an American delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore, tasked by Trump with investigating alleged genocide against Christians, visited Nigeria and held meetings with victims of insecurity.
Security cooperation between both countries reportedly peaked during the Christmas Day airstrikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto State, which followed intelligence sharing supported by U.S. surveillance aircraft operating from Ghana.
Gen. Anderson met with senior Nigerian officials earlier this month, while his deputy, Lt. Gen. John Brennan, visited Abuja last month to announce a strengthened military partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
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