Abuja: The United States has deployed a small contingent of military officers to Nigeria, the top general of US Africa Command said during a briefing on Tuesday. General Dagvin R.M. Anderson reported that this deployment follows a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Rome late last year. The meeting underscored a shared assessment that more efforts are necessary to address the "terrorist threat in West Africa."

According to Anadolu Agency, General Anderson emphasized the increased collaboration between the US and Nigeria, highlighting the deployment of a small US team equipped with unique capabilities meant to support Nigeria's ongoing efforts. This move aligns with the US's strategy to strengthen partnerships in the region to combat terrorist threats.

In December, US President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against targets in Nigeria and suggested that further US military operations in the country could ensue. This development has intensified Nigeria's scrutiny from Washington, especially after President Trump threatened military action, citing Nigeria's alleged failure to protect its Christian population. Consequently, Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern, a classification by the US Congress for nations accused of religious persecution.

The Nigerian government has strongly denied allegations of a Christian genocide, asserting that armed groups target civilians indiscriminately, regardless of their religious affiliations.