US & Nigeria Cooperation Military Training Nigeria US Troops Deployment West Africa Safety — US military personnel arrive at Bauchi Airfield to support Nigeria’s security and training efforts.

United States sends 100 troops to Nigeria security mission

About 100 US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to provide training, technical support, and intelligence sharing with Nigerian forces.

By Fahad Last updated Feb 17, 2026

US & Nigeria – (Web Desk) – Around 100 US soldiers are being deployed to Nigeria as part of enhanced military cooperation aimed at tackling insecurity in the West African nation, the Nigerian Defence Ministry announced on Monday.

The ministry did not provide details on the exact arrival date of the US military trainers.

In its statement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed: “Approximately 100 United States military personnel, along with related equipment, have arrived at Bauchi Airfield.”

“The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The 🇺🇸 United States military has started the process of offloading equipment in 🇳🇬 Nigeria. Kudos to the government for taking this bold and strategic move to enhance our nation’s security partnerships. This collaboration signifies a step towards enhancing stronger security. pic.twitter.com/kwRgPaYVeQ

— 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒙𝒙🕳️✹ (@climaxx_empire) February 17, 2026

Nigeria is facing a longstanding jihadist insurgency in the northeast, a conflict between farmers and herders in north-central regions, separatist violence in the southeast, and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being “persecuted” and are victims of “genocide” perpetrated by “terrorists”.

But Abuja and most independent experts say the violence in Nigeria indiscriminately affects both Christians and Muslims.

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On December 25, the US military conducted airstrikes in Nigeria’s Sokoto State. Nigerian authorities subsequently said the action was coordinated with them and it targeted Islamic State jihadists.

For the announced deployment, Nigeria’s DHQ said: “The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces.”