ABUJA, Feb 11 (AGCNewsNet) - The United States will deploy about 200 military personnel to Nigeria to train its armed forces in counter-terrorism operations, expanding defence cooperation between the two countries, officials said Tuesday.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Samaila Uba, said the troops will provide training and technical assistance rather than engage in direct combat.

The deployment will focus on intelligence support and helping Nigerian forces coordinate air and ground operations simultaneously. It will also supplement a small US team already assisting with air-strike targeting.

US Africa Command confirmed the arrangement, with the personnel expected to arrive in the coming weeks at Nigeria’s request.

The cooperation comes as Nigeria continues to battle a long-running insurgency in the northeast and widespread banditry in the northwest. Analysts describe the violence as affecting both Muslims and Christians despite claims in some US political circles that Christians are being uniquely targeted.

Officials from both countries previously acknowledged joint operations, including air strikes in Sokoto State late last year, and said Washington would continue providing intelligence support and facilitating arms procurement.

Authorities emphasized the new deployment is strictly advisory and training-based, with no direct US combat role anticipated.

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