US Sends 100 Troops to Nigeria to Support Fight Against Armed Groups

The United States has sent 100 troops to Nigeria to provide training and support in fighting armed groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. Nigerian forces remain in full command, and US soldiers will not fight. The deployment comes amid ongoing violence over land and resources, especially in central Nigeria. The government rejects claims of religious persecution and says its counter-terrorism efforts protect all citizens.

The United States has sent 100 soldiers to Nigeria to support the country in addressing ongoing security challenges posed by a variety of armed groups. The troops arrived on Monday, accompanied by military equipment, according to Nigeria’s armed forces. The deployment highlights growing international concern over Nigeria’s security situation, which has been complicated and volatile for many years. Communities across the country have faced repeated attacks from multiple armed factions, creating fear, displacement, and disruption of daily life.
Among the groups contributing to this insecurity are extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have long carried out attacks in northeastern Nigeria. Other groups include the IS-linked Lakurawa, as well as various “bandit” factions known for kidnapping people for ransom, engaging in illegal mining, and committing other violent crimes. These armed groups operate in different regions of Nigeria, making coordinated responses by the government both complex and urgent.
The Nigerian government formally requested assistance from the United States, specifically in areas of training, technical support, and intelligence-sharing. Officials have emphasized that the US troops are not in Nigeria to participate in combat. Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, explained that the American soldiers are in the country strictly to provide training, while Nigerian forces retain full command authority over all operations. This arrangement allows Nigerian forces to lead the fight against insurgency while benefiting from international expertise and support.
The deployment comes after criticism from the Trump administration regarding Nigeria’s security challenges. In December, US forces carried out airstrikes targeting militants affiliated with the Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria, signaling a willingness to intervene against groups that threaten regional stability. The troop deployment also comes after a period of easing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Nigeria, following earlier accusations by US President Donald Trump. Trump had claimed that Nigeria had failed to protect Christians, alleging that a genocide was occurring against them.
The Nigerian government has firmly rejected these allegations, describing them as “unfounded” and disparaging. Nigerian officials insist that their counter-terrorism campaign is comprehensive and targets armed groups threatening citizens of all faiths. Nigeria is home to over 200 ethnic groups, most of whom practice Christianity or Islam, while others follow traditional religions. Despite a long history of coexistence, the country has periodically experienced outbreaks of violence, often fueled by competition over limited resources such as land, water, and grazing areas, rather than religion alone.
In central Nigeria, clashes continue between Fulani Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers. Experts note that these conflicts are primarily driven by disputes over land and resources rather than religious differences. However, the consequences for ordinary people are severe, with families being forced to abandon their homes, livelihoods being disrupted, and communities living under constant threat. The human cost is profound, affecting not only those directly involved but entire neighborhoods and local economies.
The presence of US troops, even in a strictly training capacity, underscores the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges and the importance of international cooperation. While the country faces complex, multi-layered threats, the government remains focused on protecting its citizens and addressing the underlying causes of violence. For Nigeria, managing these security threats is not only about defending territory but also about ensuring the safety and stability of its diverse communities, allowing people to live their lives without fear of violence or displacement.
As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the country faces the delicate task of balancing immediate security needs with long-term strategies to prevent further conflict. The collaboration with the United States provides additional resources and expertise, but ultimately, the success of these efforts depends on Nigerian forces’ ability to implement solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes of violence. Across the country, communities continue to hope for peace, security, and a future in which children can attend school, farmers can tend their land, and families can live without the constant threat of violence.