Overview
- Pentagon and Nigerian officials confirmed the arrival of roughly 100 U.S. personnel to train, advise, provide technical support, and share classified intelligence with Nigerian forces.
- Officials emphasized that U.S. troops will not take part in combat and that Nigerian forces retain full command and operational control.
- Flight data reviewed by Reuters showed multiple aircraft carrying personnel and equipment toward northern Nigeria in recent days.
- The deployment follows U.S. airstrikes announced in December 2025 and public criticism by President Donald Trump, with Abuja rejecting sectarian claims and disputing aspects of the strike targeting.
- Nigerian authorities say the mission was requested by their government as the country battles groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP, and a presidential spokesman appealed for additional U.S. equipment such as jets and munitions.