About 100 US troops arrive in Nigeria for military support mission
About 100 American troops have arrived in Nigeria to train and support the country’s military in counter-terror operations.
The arrival comes nearly two months after the United States carried out airstrikes in Sokoto state on Christmas, targeting Islamic State-linked militants.
Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s Armed f\Forces said US service members arrived at Bauchi airfield in northern Nigeria.
Samaila Uba, spokesperson for defence headquarters, said the mission is to help Nigerian troops “effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation”.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” he said.
The deployment followed a formal request by the Nigerian government for training, technical support and intelligence sharing.
A spokesperson for US Africa Command said the troops are in Nigeria to support Nigerian-led counter-terror operations but did not disclose their units or point of origin.
Nigeria’s military said the American personnel are not a combat force and will strictly serve as advisers.
Reuters had reported last week that the US military plans to send a total of 200 troops to Nigeria, with the first wave arriving over the weekend.
On Christmas, a US navy destroyer fired Tomahawk missiles at suspected camps of ISIS and Lakurawa, an affiliated group, in Sokoto state.
Some of the missiles reportedly failed to detonate, while casualty figures from the strikes have not been made public.
In January, US President Donald Trump, \threatened additional strikes.
The United States has increased its military operations in Africa over the past year, carrying out airstrikes against ISIS and other militant groups, including al-Shabaab.
