Boko Haram: US Sends Forces To Nigeria

The United States has confirmed the deployment of a small number of its troops to Nigeria.

The confirmation was made on Tuesday by the commander of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson.

It is the first public acknowledgment of American forces operating on Nigerian soil since Washington carried out airstrikes on suspected Islamic State targets on December 25.

Anderson said the deployment followed discussions between both countries on the need to strengthen efforts against terrorism in West Africa.

He said the talks resulted in deeper military cooperation, including the dispatch of a specialised team from the United States.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said during a press briefing.

The AFRICOM chief, however, declined to disclose the size of the team or the precise nature of its mission.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, corroborated the revelation that “a US team is currently working in the country.

Musa however did not give further details on their operations.

A former US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the American personnel were largely involved in intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces with targeting information against terrorist groups.

The deployment comes amid increasing pressure from Washington on Nigeria over security concerns.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christian communities from attacks by militants, particularly in the northwest.

The Nigerian government has rejected allegations of religious persecution.

Officials insist that security operations are directed at armed groups that target civilians regardless of faith.

Daily Trust reports that the country has continued to battle Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, whose fighters have stepped up attacks on military formations and civilian populations.

The northeast remains the epicentre of the 17 year insurgency, while violence linked to banditry and extremist groups has also worsened in the northwest.

AFRICOM said the December airstrike was conducted in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

The strike, according to the command, killed multiple Islamic State fighters.

The operation followed warnings by President Trump in October that Christianity faces “an existential threat in Nigeria”.

He also threatened possible US military intervention if alleged violence against Christian communities persists.

Washington has indicated that further military actions in Nigeria remain possible.

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