US to send 200 troops to Nigeria to train army

Published: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 5:28 pm

US to Deploy Troops to Nigeria to Train Military

The United States is set to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military in its fight against Islamist militants, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials. This move follows President Donald Trump's recent criticism of the Nigerian government's handling of attacks against Christians in the West African nation.

The deployment will augment the existing U.S. military presence in Nigeria, with the new forces focused on supporting local military units in identifying targets for military strikes. However, the troops will not be involved in direct combat operations, according to Nigerian military officials.

This decision marks a shift in U.S.-Nigerian relations, influenced by pressure from Christian activists, Republican lawmakers, and American celebrities who have been advocating for U.S. intervention in Nigeria's ongoing security challenges. While the Nigerian government has refuted President Trump's claims of failing to protect Christians, U.S. military leaders see the shift as an opportunity for enhanced intelligence sharing and military planning.

The new U.S. forces are expected to arrive in Nigeria in the coming weeks. The effectiveness of the increased U.S. involvement remains uncertain. A previous U.S. military action, involving the firing of Tomahawk missiles, resulted in the missiles landing in mostly empty fields.

BNN's Perspective:

This deployment represents a delicate balancing act. While the U.S. has a responsibility to address human rights concerns and combat terrorism, it must also respect Nigeria's sovereignty. The focus on training and intelligence sharing, rather than direct combat, appears to be a measured approach. However, the long-term impact of this increased involvement, and whether it will truly improve the security situation in Nigeria, remains to be seen.

Keywords: US troops, Nigeria, military training, Islamist militants, Donald Trump, Christian attacks, intelligence sharing, military planning, security crisis, Tomahawk missiles

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