US Troops’ Deployment Signals New Era in Nigeria–US Security Ties — House Deputy
Abuja, Nigeria – The recent arrival of 100 US soldiers in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in bilateral security cooperation, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said, describing it as a “turning point” in the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes.
In an interview in Abuja, Agbese explained that the American personnel, deployed to Bauchi State, are primarily tasked with training Nigerian forces and providing intelligence support to tackle terror groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other criminal networks.
“This development underscores the confidence the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned on the global stage. For the first time in recent memory, Nigeria is engaging a major global power like the United States from a position of strategic clarity and mutual respect,” Agbese said.
He praised the synergy between Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief and US President Donald Trump, citing the Christmas Day precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State as evidence of decisive action against insurgency under Tinubu’s leadership.
Agbese emphasized that the partnership is practical, not symbolic, enhancing the intelligence gathering, operational capacity, and technical expertise of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He commended the new Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs for boosting coordination, morale, and readiness among troops.
“Our armed forces are better coordinated, better motivated, and increasingly well-equipped. The ongoing reforms and strategic partnerships are already producing tangible results,” he said, acknowledging contributions from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Addressing concerns over national sovereignty, Agbese clarified that the US troop deployment was requested by Nigeria and aligns with national security objectives.
“The collaboration provides access to specialised technical capabilities to detect, deter, and neutralize terrorist elements. It reinforces that Nigeria is not alone in this fight,” he said, describing the evolving Nigeria–US security relationship as a new era of proactive diplomacy and results-driven governance.
He concluded that the partnership sends a strong message to those financing or aiding terrorism domestically or internationally: “The space for impunity is rapidly shrinking.”
