The United States is set to deploy an additional 200 troops to Nigeria as part of expanded counterterrorism cooperation, according to a senior Nigerian military source.
The deployment follows a visit to Abuja last week by the head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, who met President Bola Tinubu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and other senior officials. At a briefing, Anderson confirmed that a “small team” of US military personnel had already been deployed.
A senior Defence Headquarters official said the incoming personnel would work alongside Nigerian forces rather than operate independently.
“They are not coming to carry out isolated operations. They are coming to partner our troops to ensure terrorists are flushed out,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly.
The cooperation is expected to focus on intelligence sharing and joint planning against armed groups operating in Nigeria’s north-east and north-west, where insurgent and criminal networks continue to stage attacks.
The planned deployment has prompted domestic debate about foreign military involvement. Concerns intensified after President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being targeted in what he described as a “genocide” in Nigeria, a claim rejected by Nigerian authorities. Officials said insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.
Tensions appeared to ease after Trump later acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims were victims of violence and authorised air strikes on what he described as terrorist camps in Nigeria’s north-west.
Presenting the military’s proposed 2026 budget to lawmakers this week, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede said Nigeria was managing foreign partnerships carefully to safeguard national sovereignty. He acknowledged intelligence gaps but said cooperation with allies had improved operational response.
Separately, the Nigerian Army said troops killed 16 suspected terrorists during an offensive in the Komala axis of Konduga Local Government Area in Borno State. Under the north-east joint task force Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers also rescued 11 kidnapped victims, according to a military statement.
The latest deployment reflects deepening military ties between Washington and Abuja as both countries seek to counter persistent security threats in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claime...
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city...
Concerns are growing over a renewed cholera outbreak in Yemen, after years of conflict has left the country's healthcare system struggling to cope....
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
AnewZ ‘s Destination travels to Kazakhstan’s most enchanting and unique retreat: Oi Qaragai Mountain Resort.
AnewZ Original Series 'Destination' features Kazakhstan’s premier winter sports destination and the largest ski resort in Central Asia: Shymbulak Mountain Resort.
Experience the living heritage of one of the world’s great cultural capitals in this all-new episode of AnewZ Original Series Destination: Shusha, Azerbaijan.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washington had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week.
Typhoon Bavi pummelled Japan's southern Sakishima island chain with heavy rain and violent winds on Saturday as it headed towards Taiwan, prompting authorities to warn of the risks of floods and landslides.
China has maintained its highest-level rainstorm warning after Typhoon Bavi made landfall on the country's eastern coast, urging large-scale evacuations and emergency preparations across several provinces amid fears of severe flooding and landslides
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
Two men were killed and six other people were injured in a shooting at Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night, police said.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent allies in Congress, has died following a brief and sudden illness. He was 71-years-old.
Five major carmakers have largely won the first stage of a major legal battle at a High Court case brought by around 1.6 million claimants in the UK over allegations that their diesel vehicles were fitted with unlawful "defeat devices" that led to higher emissions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment