The Federal Government has clarified the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria, saying they are in the country for training and intelligence support.
According to Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, the deployment is part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries to fight terrorism and insurgency.
The announcement came after the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that a small team of American personnel had been sent to Nigeria.
AFRICOM’s commander said the deployment was made at Nigeria’s request and focused on intelligence assistance, not combat operations.
In response to concerns about national sovereignty, Musa explained that the team consists of advisors helping with intelligence gathering and training.
He did not reveal the team’s size, location, or length of stay.
This cooperation is not new.
In December 2025, the US military and Nigerian Armed Forces carried out air operations in the Northwest and North-Central regions to counter terrorism.
Despite assurances from officials, the arrival of US personnel has sparked public discussion, with some Nigerians worried that foreign troops on Nigerian soil could affect the country’s independence.
Meanwhile, gunmen on Wednesday attacked villages in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing more than 160 people, officials say.
Residents of villages such as Woro and Nuku were targeted, with homes and shops destroyed during the raids.
Most victims were civilians, and many others fled to nearby bushland for safety.
The attacks prompted swift action from the government. President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the area to protect communities and pursue the attackers.
Authorities said the raids may be linked to armed groups operating in Nigeria, including Islamist militants and bandits, who have been active in parts of Kwara State for months.
The killings occurred on the same day that the small team of United States military personnel arrived in Nigeria.
The coincidence of the US troop arrival and the Kwara attacks has drawn public attention.
The timing raises questions about the challenges Nigeria faces in controlling insecurity, even as it seeks international support.
While the presence of foreign advisors aims to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity, the immediate threat from local armed groups remains severe and cannot be quickly neutralized.
This means that intelligence and military support take time to translate into reduced attacks on vulnerable communities.
