The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel, along with equipment, to support the Nigerian army in its fight against terrorism. These troops are part of an expanded bilateral cooperation effort aimed primarily at training, advising, and providing technical and intelligence support to Nigerian forces.

According to the DHQ, all operations will be conducted under the authority and coordination of the Nigerian government, and the US soldiers will not directly engage in frontline combat. International sources, including Reuters, confirm this deployment as part of a broader US mission to assist against Islamist insurgents, particularly in the country’s northwest.

In parallel, US military strikes occurred in Nigeria around Christmas 2025, targeting camps affiliated with the Islamic State in Sokoto State. These operations were carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government and aimed at neutralizing militant groups responsible for attacks on local populations.

While some sources mention that the US president ordered these strikes, official statements clarify that these were targeted operations conducted with Nigerian approval and coordination, rather than unilateral attacks. The goal was to limit the expansion of terrorist groups in the region and enhance security in the northwest.

This intervention highlights the growing importance of military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, and other armed groups operating in the country. Increased US support, combined with local capabilities, aims to improve intelligence gathering, military training, and the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations.

Nigerian authorities have also urged local populations to remain vigilant, emphasizing that these operations are conducted with respect for national sovereignty and that coordination with local communities is essential to protect civilians.