US Troops Begin Advisory Mission in Nigeria
The first wave of United States military personnel has arrived in Nigeria, marking the start of a temporary counterterrorism support mission.
A U.S. military aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night, officials confirmed. The deployment will involve about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers.
First Batch of 100 Personnel Lands
According to defence officials, around 100 U.S. troops will arrive gradually over the weekend. Additional aircraft carrying personnel and equipment are expected in the coming weeks.
The deployment follows recommendations from a joint U.S.–Nigeria working group focused on strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity.
Nigerian Military Retains Full Control
Nigeria’s Defence spokesman, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that the American personnel will not engage in combat.
“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role,” Uba said.
“Nigerian forces retain full command authority and will lead all missions on Nigerian territory.”
A U.S. Defence Department official also confirmed that American troops will operate mainly from command posts.
Focus on Training, Intelligence, and Infrastructure
The mission will concentrate on training, technical assistance, and intelligence coordination. Early activities will include setting up secure communications, improving base infrastructure, and strengthening operational security.
The Pentagon said the advisory support will span volatile regions, including northern states affected by jihadist violence and parts of the Middle Belt where attacks on Christian communities have increased.
Groups such as Boko Haram remain active in some of these areas.
Joint Operations and Surveillance Support
The first batch of newly trained Nigerian special forces has already deployed to Plateau State.
U.S. and Nigerian forces will also build joint mission-planning capabilities. Intelligence sharing will include surveillance support from U.S. operations based in Ghana.
