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The US is deploying 200 troops to Nigeria—not for combat

In February 2026, the United States is deploying approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support to the Nigerian military. Both U.S. and Nigerian officials emphasize that this is a non-combat mission.

Primary objectives

Purpose: To train Nigerian forces in countering Islamist militants, specifically groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Roles: Troops will focus on technical training, intelligence sharing, and helping coordinate complex air and infantry operations.

Command: Nigerian forces will retain full command authority over all security decisions and lead all missions on their territory.

Timeline: The personnel are expected to arrive and be stationed at various locations across Nigeria in the coming weeks.

This move follows a period of heightened U.S. concern over extremist violence in West Africa. In late 2025, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" due to attacks on religious communities and subsequently ordered targeted airstrikes against Islamic State-affiliated groups on Christmas Day.

The current deployment of 200 troops augments a small team of U.S. military specialists already on the ground providing intelligence support.

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