The United States military has explained the rationale behind the deployment of its forces to Nigeria, describing it as part of expanded cooperation between Washington and Abuja to tackle terrorism and other security threats in the country.
Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, made this known on Tuesday during a briefing with journalists. He said both Nigeria and the United States had agreed on the need for closer military collaboration to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
According to Anderson, the renewed cooperation follows directives from US President Donald Trump, who in December ordered airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State targets in Nigeria, adding that further US military action could follow if necessary.
While declining to disclose the exact size and mission details of the deployed personnel, Anderson described the force as a small contingent equipped with “unique capabilities” from the United States.
“This has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” he said.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that a US military team is currently operating in the country but did not provide additional details about its activities.
