By Peter Adelowo
In a major security development, the United States military has confirmed that a small team of American forces has been deployed to Nigeria, strengthening cooperation between Washington and Abuja in the fight against terrorism.
General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, told Reuters that Nigeria and the United States agreed on enhanced military collaboration to support counter-terrorism efforts.
He described the deployed contingent as small, with “unique capabilities” but did not disclose specific numbers or detailed missions.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of the U.S. team in the country, without giving further details.
This marks the first official acknowledgment of U.S. forces on the ground in Nigeria since American airstrikes targeted suspected Islamic State positions in December in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
U.S. officials say the deployed team is focused on intelligence gathering and providing support to Nigerian forces combating extremist groups.
The move comes amid rising attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to assault military convoys and civilians across the country.
The Federal government maintains it is confronting all armed groups attacking civilians, rejecting claims of religious persecution, even as the United States intensifies pressure for action against militants.
Further updates are expected as the partnership between both nations deepens.
