US Deploys 200 Troops to Train Nigeria’s Military

The United States government will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to train its armed forces and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.

Nigerian and U.S. officials made the announcement to reporters on Tuesday.

Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, General Samaila Uba, said the U.S. troops will assist with training and provide technical support as Washington increases military cooperation with Nigeria.

The additional troops will supplement a small U.S. team already in the country that supports Nigerian forces with airstrike targeting.

The new batch of troops is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and provide training and technical guidance, including helping Nigerian counterparts coordinate operations involving both airstrikes and ground forces.

This development follows accusations by the U.S. government of targeted attacks against the Christian population, which have been described as “persecution” and “genocide.”

Nigeria has faced diplomatic pressure to address the rising wave of attacks. However, the government has denied the U.S. claims, stating that insurgents target both Muslim and Christian populations.

The government hopes that this collaboration will significantly reduce insurgent attacks on civilians and fulfill its longstanding promise to ensure the safety of every citizen.