The Federal Government has dismissed concerns over the presence of United States troops in Nigeria, insisting that the deployed personnel are not combat forces but a small advisory team providing intelligence support and training as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries, according to Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence.
The clarification followed an announcement on Tuesday by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which confirmed that a small team of American military personnel had been deployed to Nigeria as part of ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
Speaking in Dakar, Senegal, Dagvin Anderson, AFRICOM Commander, said the deployment was made at the request of the Nigerian government and was strictly focused on providing specialised intelligence assistance to support counter-terrorism efforts.
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“Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a willing and capable ally that requested unique capabilities only the United States can provide,” Anderson said, stressing that the mission was advisory in nature and aligned with mutual security objectives.
The announcement, however, sparked widespread speculation across Nigeria, with concerns raised in some quarters over the implications for national sovereignty and the extent of foreign military involvement on Nigerian soil.
Responding to the concerns, Musa explained that the American personnel are not combat troops but a small advisory team supporting intelligence gathering and capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian security forces.
In an interview with the BBC, Musa said the deployment forms part of long-standing bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and insurgency, particularly in areas affected by banditry and violent extremism.
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He declined to disclose operational details, including the size of the team, their exact location, duration of stay, or date of arrival, citing security considerations.
“Their role is purely supportive,” the Defence Minister said, emphasising that Nigerian forces remain fully in charge of all operations and decision-making on the ground.
On December 25, 2025, the United States military, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, carried out strikes operations across multiple locations in in Sokoto State.
The FG has maintained that the partnership with the United States is governed by Nigeria’s laws and strategic interests, and is designed solely to enhance the operational effectiveness of local forces in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
