The US military has announced that some personnel have been sent to Nigeria as part of increased cooperation between Washington and Abuja to combat terrorism and other security challenges in the West African country. According to Reuters, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), stated on Tuesday that Nigeria and the United States have agreed on the necessity for deeper military collaboration to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
In December, US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on what he characterized as Islamic State targets in Nigeria, indicating that further US military action may be forthcoming.
Anderson would not reveal the specific number or mission details of the deployed squad, but did describe it as a small group with "unique capabilities" provided by the United States.
"That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States," Anderson told reporters.
Nigerian Defence Minister Christopher Musa admitted that a US team is operating in the country, but declined to disclose any details.
Since at least late November, the United States has been conducting surveillance flights over the country from Ghana.
However, the new step marks the first public recognition of US forces on the ground in Nigeria since Washington launched airstrikes in the country at the end of December.
That move targeted extremist organizations follows months of Nigeria permitting US spy flights to fly over its territory, indicating increased security collaboration between the two countries.
According to US officials, the deployed team is primarily focused on gathering intelligence and assisting Nigerian forces in their fight against terrorist-affiliated groups.
Washington has put increased pressure on Nigeria to act after President Donald Trump accused the West African country of failing to safeguard Christians from Islamist extremists operating in the northwest.
The Nigerian government denies any systematic persecution of Christians, claiming that it is targeting Islamist fighters and other armed organizations who attack both Christian and Muslim citizens.
Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members have stepped up attacks on military convoys and civilians, and the northwest remains the epicenter of the 17-year Islamist insurgency.
The US military's Africa Command said the operation was carried out in Sokoto state in collaboration with Nigerian authorities and killed some ISIS fighters.
The strike occurred after Trump warned in late October that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and threatened military intervention over the West African country's refusal to cease violence against Christian communities.