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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
US Sending Troops to Nigeria to Train Military in Fighting Extremism
The American personnel won't engage in combat or have a direct operational role, Nigerian forces will have complete command authority.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The United States is sending around 200 troops to Nigeria to help train the Nigerian military in fighting extremism, as a multifaceted security crisis spreads in the north of the country. The American personnel will provide technical and training support, but will not engage in combat or have a direct operational role, with Nigerian forces maintaining complete command authority.
Why it matters
The move comes as Nigeria faces a protracted fight against dozens of local armed groups, including Islamic sects like Boko Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as other 'bandit' groups. The security crisis has led to thousands of deaths, with analysts saying the government has not done enough to protect its citizens.
The details
According to Nigerian authorities, the US troops will be deployed at the invitation of the Nigerian government and as part of the longstanding security cooperation and military-to-military partnership between the two countries. The deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
- The US troops are expected to arrive in Nigeria in the coming weeks.
The players
Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba
Spokesman for Nigeria's Defense Headquarters.
Donald Trump
Former US President who said Nigeria was not protecting Christians from an alleged genocide, a claim the Nigerian government rejected.
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin
An Islamic militant group that claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year.
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 US troops are expected to begin their training mission in Nigeria in the coming weeks, as the Nigerian government continues to battle the ongoing security crisis in the country's north.
The takeaway
The deployment of US troops to train the Nigerian military highlights the growing security challenges facing the country, as it struggles to contain the spread of extremism and violence by various armed groups. The move also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex regional security issues.
