Nigerian govt keeps mum as US troops land in country

*Why we are curious about American military presence in soft-target nation like ours – Security Expert

By KEMI KASUMU

“I trained in the US for two years 71- 72, and I can say with some elements of certainty that when the US forces put their boots on the ground in a soft target nation, they will extend their tasks beyond the boundaries of their host nation. What is the tenure of their stay in our country?? This is a matter of curiosity but relevant.”

Although Nigerian government is yet to speak to people it governs by the Constitution about the landing of three United States of America’s military aircrafts bearing 100 troops in Nigeria, screenshot headline of an American media platform, New York Times, has confirmed their presence saying they are in Africa’s most populous country “for Trump-led Christian mission”.

Why America’s President Donald Trump and his government members do not pretend about the religious nature of their military operations agreed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, neither the Nigerian government nor local media ever reflect that in their statements (if any) and reportage, respectively.

Many of the local media which also reported that the first 100 US military personnel landed in North East Nigeria’s State of Borno, said their arrival signalled the start of a significant new phase in the country’s fight against terrorism.

The DEFENDER Newspaper Nigeria, however, reports that the deployment, part of a planned 200-member US Christian protection mission, is set to bolster Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign with intelligence expertise, tactical training and strategic advisory support, as security forces intensify operations in some of the nation’s most volatile regions.

It was gathered that a US military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Thursday night of February 11, 2026.

But by evening of Friday February 12, three aircraft were said to be visible at the base, with equipment being offloaded from at least one of them.

Officials from both Nigeria and United States of America had confirmed that roughly 100 American personnel are expected to arrive in the initial phase, with additional troops and equipment scheduled to land over the weekend and in the coming weeks.

A United States Defence Department official, who spoke with New York Times on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details, said the deployment would involve a steady stream of C-17 transport aircraft into three primary locations across Nigeria.

The official described the current arrivals as the “vanguard” of a broader mission focused on intelligence sharing, advisory services and training.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa,(Rtd), had stressed that the American troops would not participate directly in combat operations.

“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role.

“Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory”, Musa said.

Similarly, Samaila Ubah, Nigeria’s defence spokesman, in a statement explained that the deployment followed recommendations from a US-Nigeria joint working group and would see American personnel provide advisory and technical support at multiple locations.

The US Defence Department official corroborated this, noting that the Americans would operate mainly from command posts rather than in frontline engagements.

Security analyts have indicated that the joint operations footprint will span some of Nigeria’s most volatile regions.

A Nigerian official familiar with the arrangement said the American personnel would be deployed to Northern states where extremist groups such as Boko Haram have been active, as well as parts of the North Central, a region that has witnessed recurring violence affecting both Christian and largely Muslim communities.

The deployment comes amid months of heightened diplomatic pressure from Donald Trump, US President who has publicly criticised the Nigerian government over its handling of security challenges, particularly attacks on Christian communities.

While Christian populations have suffered repeated attacks, Muslim communities have also been victims of violence in different parts of the country.

Late last year, Trump ordered a US missile strike in Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting what he described as terrorists responsible for killings.

The strike drew international attention and sparked debate about the scope of U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s internal security matters.

New York Times, which indicated the deployment as for Trump-led Christian mission, reported that the fresh deployment will reinforce a smaller contingent of American advisers already stationed in Nigeria.

According to the Federal Government, those advisers have been working with Nigerian security forces on tactical warfare training, including map reading, operational planning, strike coordination and rescue support missions.

Both governments maintain that the partnership is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to confront insurgency and armed militancy, while preserving the country’s sovereignty and operational command over all missions conducted on its soil.

Meanwhile, efforts to confirm the development from the Defence Headquarters in Nigeria were reportedly unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.

Why we are curious – Security Expert

Reacting to the latest development regarding the landing of the American troops, a security expert who strictly refused to be identified, said, “Good, Yes, US forces have landed in Nigeria. This is no longer a hear say, but a matter of fact. Even though the federal government has not informed the nigerian people about their presence in the country, it is appropriate to know their mission in the country and how long they are staying here.

“I trained in the US for two years 71- 72, and I can say with some elements of certainty that when the US forces put their boots on the ground in a soft target nation, they will extend their tasks beyond the boundaries of their host nation. What is the tenure of their stay in our country?? This is a matter of curiosity but relevant.

“A few days ago, I read about the Venezuelan reactions to the presence of the american troops on their soil. That sends a signal to me as a senior military officer. I had been in Pentagon, and I learnt a few things about their mindset. The presence of US Armed Forces in some West Africa countries, including Nigeria and off our international waters, is evidently concerning. Time will tell,” he said.