In a significant escalation of their military involvement in West Africa, the United States has officially announced the deployment of 200 additional troops to Nigeria. This announcement, made on February 11, 2026, marks a turning point in Washington's strategy to support Nigerian forces against jihadist groups.

An increased and official military presence

This new contingent reinforces the units already on the ground. While the White House acknowledged a discreet presence last week, this is the first time it has released a precise figure since the targeted airstrikes launched on Christmas Day.

This deployment is in line with the policy of President Donald Trump, who recently intensified operations in the region by authorizing bombings against Islamic State positions.

A tense diplomatic and security context

The American intervention is not limited to tactical support; it is accompanied by diplomatic pressure exerted on Abuja.

1. Washington's criticisms: US authorities accuse the Nigerian government of failing to respond effectively to violence targeting Christian communities in the northwest.
2. Abuja's response: Nigerian officials deny any negligence, claiming the army is fighting factions that threaten the entire population, regardless of religion.

The Northwest: Epicenter of a 17-year conflict

Nigeria, a demographic giant with over 230 million inhabitants, remains plagued by chronic instability. The fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa) has intensified in recent months, particularly in the northwest.

Factors of complexity	Details
Active groups	Boko Haram, ISWAP (Islamic State).
Duration of the conflict	17 years of insurrection.
Demography	South predominantly Christian / North predominantly Muslim.
Challenges	Risks of community tensions and attacks against civilians.

Despite the deployment of these reinforcements, the US Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) is currently maintaining a cautious silence on the operational details of this new deployment.