Nigeria TV Info 

US Military Presence in Nigeria Based on Invitation – AFRICOM

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that the presence of American military personnel in Nigeria is based on an invitation from the Nigerian government and is being carried out in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty. AFRICOM officials stated that U.S. troops operating in the country are deployed primarily for training, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism support rather than combat operations.

The clarification follows growing public discussions about increased military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. Earlier this year, AFRICOM confirmed the deployment of a small team of U.S. military specialists to Nigeria to assist local forces in tackling terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian authorities have also acknowledged the presence of the team, describing the arrangement as a mutually agreed security partnership.

According to AFRICOM, the collaboration includes intelligence support, military training, logistics assistance, and coordinated operations against terrorist groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist organizations operating in parts of northern Nigeria. Recent joint operations between Nigerian forces and AFRICOM have reportedly targeted ISIS-linked fighters in the North-East.

Military officials stressed that U.S. personnel remain in a non-combat role and that command and operational control continue to rest with Nigerian security forces. The partnership is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to confront insurgency, banditry, and other security threats affecting the country and the wider West African region.

The development reflects deepening security ties between Abuja and Washington as both countries seek to curb the spread of terrorism across the region. AFRICOM reiterated that all activities conducted by U.S. personnel in Nigeria are coordinated with Nigerian authorities and carried out at the request of the host nation.