The initial contingent of United States military personnel has arrived in Nigeria, signalling the start of a deployment of about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers who will support Nigerian forces in focused counterterrorism efforts, partly aimed at protecting Christian communities, officials said on Friday.A U.S. military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night. Officials disclosed that roughly 100 troops are expected to arrive gradually over the weekend, while additional aircraft transporting personnel and equipment are scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.
Nigeria’s defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, said the American personnel would concentrate on training and technical support rather than combat operations.He stressed that the U.S. troops would not take part in direct fighting or lead missions, noting that Nigerian forces would maintain full command authority, make all operational decisions and remain in charge of missions conducted on Nigerian territory.
The deployment stems from recommendations by a joint U.S.-Nigeria working group, with American personnel expected to provide advisory assistance at multiple locations. A U.S. Defense Department official confirmed the non-combat nature of the mission, adding that U.S. troops would mainly operate from command centres.
Operations are expected to cover several high-risk areas. A Nigerian official said personnel would be deployed to northern states affected by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, as well as to the Middle Belt, where attacks on Christian communities have been particularly severe. Given that many of the deployment sites are remote and lack adequate infrastructure, initial efforts will prioritise establishing secure communications, base facilities and operational security in collaboration with Nigerian forces.
Earlier this week, the first group of newly trained Nigerian special forces was deployed to Plateau State. In the coming phase, U.S. and Nigerian personnel are expected to strengthen joint mission planning, drawing on intelligence from both countries, including U.S. surveillance flights operating out of Ghana. The Pentagon described the mission as temporary and projected to last a few months, although officials indicated that successful outcomes could pave the way for additional deployments.
Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/
