US military personnel arrived in Abuja on Monday, 16 February 2026, to support the Nigerian government’s security efforts in its fight against armed and jihadist groups that are destabilising several regions of the country.
In Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters has announced the arrival of around 100 American soldiers and their equipment at Bauchi Airport in the north-east of the country. This deployment follows a formal request from the Nigerian authorities to the US government to strengthen training, technical support and intelligence sharing. The Nigerian authorities insist that these troops will not have any direct combat role. The command and conduct of operations will remain entirely under national control, in a clear demonstration of respect for sovereignty.
« This year’s budget is the largest ever in Nigeria. That also shows you that the government is concerned and locating money in the defense and security subsector, even though we have some challenges in fully backing those budget appropriations. So, we use multidimensional approaches to achieve results. While they are deploying lobbying, they are also fighting, and you will agree with me that since the threats from Trump and the collaboration, we have been making huge successes. »
MIKE EJIOFOR, Security Consultant – Nigeria
This cooperation comes amid escalating violence. In several regions, the Nigerian army is facing armed groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa, as well as militias specialising in kidnappings and attacks on civilians. The security crisis has already claimed thousands of lives and caused massive population displacement, permanently weakening the social and economic fabric.
» If you see the extreme narrative coming from the US, you know, it shows that a lot of people have been doing the lobbying and trying to push the narrative of Christian genocide and all manner of insecurity within the country. Now, if you let that get ahead of you, what then happens is that it affects investors’ confidence, public morale, as well as diplomatic relations.
AYO MOSES, Communication Expert – Nigeria
For the authorities in both countries, this assistance aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian army and restore security in the most affected areas. It is part of a broader dynamic of security cooperation between the two countries, marked in recent months by increased support in terms of intelligence and strategic coordination. This partnership is being closely watched across the continent, where issues of sovereignty and security remain closely linked.
