The United States has dispatched a small team of military personnel to Nigeria, marking the first official confirmation of U.S. forces on the ground in the country since airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025.

General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), announced the deployment during a press briefing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He described the move as part of enhanced collaboration between the U.S. and Nigerian governments to combat terrorist threats in West Africa, particularly from groups affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) and others.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years,” General Anderson stated.

The deployment follows U.S. airstrikes in December 2025 targeting ISIS positions in Sokoto State, conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Details on the team’s exact size, location, or specific roles such as intelligence support, advisory assistance, or enabling Nigerian operations were not disclosed.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa has confirmed the presence of the U.S. team but provided no further specifics.

This development comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including insurgencies in the northeast and northwest involving Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other militant groups. The U.S. action signals deeper bilateral military cooperation following high-level discussions, including a meeting between General Anderson and President Bola Tinubu late last year.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

SOURCE; REUTERS, AFRICOM