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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Sending Troops to Nigeria to Aid Fight Against Extremists
American personnel will provide training support, not engage in combat operations.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The United States is deploying around 200 troops to Nigeria to assist the West African nation's military in combating extremist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. The American personnel will focus on providing training and technical support, but will not have a direct operational role, with Nigerian forces retaining full command authority.
Why it matters
Nigeria has been grappling with a protracted security crisis in its northern regions, with dozens of armed groups, including Islamist militants and criminal 'bandit' organizations, battling for control and carrying out attacks on civilians. The U.S. deployment aims to bolster Nigeria's capabilities in confronting this multifaceted threat, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
The details
According to Nigerian military officials, the U.S. troops will not engage in combat operations, but will instead provide training and technical assistance to help strengthen the Nigerian military's counterterrorism efforts. The deployment comes after the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria in December 2025, and as a small team of U.S. military officers has been providing intelligence support in the country.
- In December 2025, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on Islamic State group-affiliated militants in northwestern Nigeria.
- Last month, the head of U.S. Africa Command confirmed a small team of U.S. military officers are in Nigeria, focused on intelligence support.
The players
Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba
Spokesman for Nigeria's Defense Headquarters.
Donald Trump
Former U.S. President who accused Nigeria of not protecting Christians from alleged genocide, a claim rejected by the Nigerian government.
Yusuf Tuggar
Nigerian Foreign Minister.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, Spokesman for Nigeria's Defense Headquarters
What’s next
The U.S. deployment is expected to focus on providing training and technical support to the Nigerian military, with the goal of strengthening their capabilities in combating the various extremist and criminal groups operating in the country's northern regions.
The takeaway
The U.S. decision to send troops to Nigeria reflects the growing concern over the security crisis in the country, which has seen a proliferation of armed groups and a rising death toll. While the American personnel will not engage in direct combat operations, their training and support could play a crucial role in Nigeria's efforts to confront this multifaceted threat and protect its citizens.
