The United States has deployed a team of military specialists to Nigeria to support the fight against Islamic militants, the top US military commander for Africa has confirmed.
General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), disclosed that the deployment followed high-level discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Rome.
He revealed that President Tinubu, in late December 2025, approved limited American airstrikes targeting Islamic militant groups operating within Nigeria.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing from AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Anderson said both countries agreed on the need for stronger coordination to address growing security threats in West Africa.
“This has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team bringing unique capabilities to augment what Nigeria has been doing for years,” he stated, describing the engagement as a positive step forward.
However, Anderson declined to disclose the composition of the US team or the specific capabilities deployed in the country.
The development comes amid renewed violence in northern Nigeria. On Tuesday afternoon, suspected bandits reportedly killed more than 25 people in Doma, Tafoki community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. Several residents were also injured during the attack.
Sources said the
attackers stormed the community in large numbers, firing sporadically to instil fear among residents. The incident occurred despite recent peace agreements between local authorities and repentant bandits, with Faskari among the areas that had entered into such deals.The attack also followed a controversial agreement by the Katsina State Government to release about 70 repentant bandits in exchange for the voluntary release of 1,000 abducted residents. However, reports suggest the suspects may still be in custody following strong opposition from stakeholders.
Nigeria has long battled insurgency and banditry, particularly in its northern regions, with increasing international concern over the targeting of Christian communities by Islamic militants.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa confirmed the presence of a foreign security team in Nigeria but declined to provide further details.
Meanwhile, US Congressman Riley Moore has reiterated his commitment to ending the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Moore made the pledge in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account after meeting with Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
“It was an honour to meet with Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Nigeria,” Moore wrote. “I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government to address security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face.”
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