Terrorism fight: First batch of US troops arrive Nigeria

The first group of U.S. military personnel has arrived in Nigeria, initiating a deployment of around 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers to support Nigerian forces in targeted counterterrorism efforts, officials confirmed Friday.

The mission is partly aimed at protecting Christian communities.

A U.S. military plane touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night. Officials said the initial contingent of about 100 personnel will continue to arrive over the weekend, with additional flights carrying troops and equipment scheduled in the coming weeks.

Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a Nigerian defence spokesman, emphasized that the U.S. troops will focus on training and technical assistance.

“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role,” he said. “Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions, and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory.”

The deployment follows recommendations from a U.S.-Nigeria joint working group, with American personnel providing advisory support at various locations. A U.S. Defence Department official confirmed that their role is noncombat, noting that Americans will mainly operate from command posts.

The joint operations will cover several high-risk regions. Nigerian officials indicated that troops will be deployed to northern states affected by jihadist activity, including Boko Haram, as well as to the Middle Belt, where attacks on Christian communities have been widespread.