TRUMP Sends Troops to Nigeria: Why Now?

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US Forces in Nigeria: Secret Mission UNVEILED

President Trump’s decision to deploy US troops to Nigeria raises questions about whether America is finally confronting the brutal persecution of Christians amid jihadist violence.

Story Snapshot

Approximately 100 US troops arrived in northeast Nigeria in February 2026 for non-combat training and intelligence support against ISIS affiliates and Boko Haram.
Deployment follows US airstrikes on December 25, 2025, targeting jihadist camps, at Nigeria’s request—explicitly not combat forces.
Trump highlighted “genocide” against Christians, though experts note complex violence affects Christians and Muslims alike in farmer-herder clashes and kidnappings.
Non-combat role strengthens Nigerian counter-terror ops like “Hadin Kai,” post-US Niger withdrawal, prioritizing West Africa stability.

Deployment Details

US aircraft landed in Maiduguri or Bauchi Airfield during February 2026, delivering roughly 100 personnel and equipment. Nigerian Defence Headquarters announced the arrival between February 17-22. Troops provide technical training, intelligence sharing, and advisory support from command centers. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu approved the operations after Rome talks with US Africa Command’s Gen. Dagvin Anderson. This marks enhanced security cooperation amid ongoing insurgency.

The U.S. just deployed 100 troops to Nigeria for “counterterrorism support.” Nothing says "peace and stability" like a new wave of U.S. troops promising “support.” Yes, the violence in Nigeria is tragic. But tragedy is always the pretext for empire expansion. pic.twitter.com/A4V3ERRPcX

— Jason Bassler (@JasonBassler1) February 22, 2026

Background on Nigerian Violence

Nigeria grapples with Boko Haram and ISIS insurgency in the northeast since 2009, farmer-herder conflicts in the north-central region, separatist unrest in the southeast, and kidnappings in the northwest. Violence claims multi-faith victims, including Christians and Muslims. President Trump authorized Tomahawk strikes on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State against ISIS-linked Lakuwara camps, following threats of more action in January 2026. The US withdrew from Niger in August 2024, pivoting to partners like Nigeria.

Stakeholders and Motivations

AFRICOM leads the deployment to counter ISIS expansion and bolster West Africa stability. The Nigerian military at Maimalari Cantonment receives training for operational boosts against militants. President Trump criticizes the violence, claiming anti-Christian genocide, disputed by experts as oversimplifying governance failures and grievances. Analyst Bulama Bukarti demands transparency on the US role’s scope and duration. Extremist groups like Boko Haram remain primary targets, destabilizing the region.

Dynamics emphasize Nigerian sovereignty with US technical aid, avoiding direct intervention. Gen. Anderson views it as a positive movement via unique US capabilities.

Impacts and Expert Views

Short-term, the deployment boosts Nigerian intelligence and training, pressuring insurgents while minimizing backlash through quiet arrival. Long-term, it strengthens counter-terror efforts post-Niger exit, potentially expanding US footprint. Northern communities seek overdue aid amid indiscriminate violence. Experts like Nigerian security insiders praise enhanced ops against stability threats. Consensus rejects purely religious framing, stressing multi-faith victims and complex causes.