The United States has deployed approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria to support the country’s fight against Islamist militants, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

An American military official said the deployment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity through specialised training and operational support. The move comes weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly criticised Nigeria over alleged failures to protect Christians from terrorist attacks.

The newly deployed troops are expected to complement a small team of US military advisers already operating in the country. These advisers assist Nigerian forces with intelligence gathering and target identification for military operations, according to US and Nigerian officials.

Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Gen Dagvin R. Anderson, confirmed increased collaboration between both nations during a recent virtual briefing. He disclosed that discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paved the way for expanded cooperation.

“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We shared thoughts and agreed that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings unique capabilities to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters clarified that the partnership remains focused on capacity building rather than direct combat operations. According to military authorities, the cooperation covers professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue aimed at tackling terrorism and other shared security challenges.

In a statement addressing public speculation, Director of Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, reaffirmed that all engagements with the United States respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and operate within established bilateral agreements.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States,” the statement noted, dismissing claims of any unauthorised foreign troop presence.

The development follows a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja, where President Tinubu received a US delegation led by Gen Anderson. The delegation also included the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nigeria, Keith Heffern.

Discussions during the meeting centred on deepening defence cooperation and enhancing regional security efforts amid persistent insurgency threats across parts of Nigeria and the wider West African region.

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on December 1. His nomination was sent to the Senate on Tuesday and swiftly confirmed.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1991. He served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until his retirement in October 2025, during which he promoted stronger cooperation among the armed forces.

With his swearing-in, Musa is expected to immediately take charge as the Tinubu administration intensifies security reforms and seeks to consolidate recent gains toward lasting peace nationwide.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Information Minister Mohammed Idris, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and senior military chiefs. Also present were Musa’s wife, Lilian Oghogho Musa; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs.

The Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa (rtd), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

Musa’s nomination was approved on Wednesday after a screening session in which senators examined his military credentials and asked questions on national security challenges.

Addressing the lawmakers, Musa pledged commitment to diligent service and emphasised collaboration in tackling insecurity.

“The challenges we are facing are Nigerian challenges, not just for the armed forces or security agencies,” he said. “We will win if we work together as a team.”

He highlighted gaps in security operations and called for a unified national database to support intelligence gathering. Musa also urged stronger roles for local governments and the judicial system.

Rejecting ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists, he warned that negotiation only emboldens criminals. “They use the money to buy more arms,” he noted.

Responding to claims of religious targeting in violence across the country, Musa said terrorism affects all citizens. “We must stop the killings. Nigerians should not be killed. We must unite,” he stated.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Musa’s performance during the screening, describing him as the most thorough nominee since 1999. He encouraged the new minister to immediately visit defence industry facilities.

Musa’s nomination was subsequently approved through a unanimous voice vote.