Nigeria and the United States have expanded their military partnership, following heightened security threats and international attention over violence in the country.
The collaboration intensified after US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in October, citing alleged Christian persecution—claims the Nigerian government has consistently denied. In November, Trump warned of possible US troop deployment to Nigeria to target terrorists, sparking concerns over sovereignty and international law.
In response, President Bola Tinubu sent National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to Washington for talks with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth later said the US was “working aggressively” with Nigeria to combat religiously motivated violence, though details remained limited.
Following the meetings, US contractor-operated surveillance flights began entering Nigerian airspace from Ghana. These flights preceded a Christmas Day missile strike on terrorist camps in Sokoto State, carried out using US drone technology rather than the previously speculated Tomahawk missiles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was based on intelligence sharing and aligned with “established international practice and bilateral understanding.” Residents in Sokoto and Kwara States reported explosions, and debris from precision-guided munitions was later confirmed in Kwara.
Sources told The Cable that the US has proposed establishing a drone refueling station in Nigeria to extend surveillance and strike capabilities beyond Ghana. While Lagos and Abuja were considered, Nigeria opted for a north-eastern location with existing local drone operations. Officials emphasised that US forces would not engage in combat but would support Nigeria with training, equipment, and intelligence.
On Tuesday, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Dagvin Anderson confirmed the deployment of a “small team” of US troops to Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgement since the Christmas Day strikes. Defence Minister Christopher Musa stressed that the team is advisory, focused on intelligence and training, with no combat role. A government source confirmed the US team coordinated the Sokoto operation, indicating deeper operational alignment between the two countries.
Bilateral discussions, including ongoing meetings between NSA Ribadu and US Under-Secretary of State Allison Hooker, are continuing to refine the partnership as both nations seek to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.