Air Operations in Terkuti, the United States Deploy Ground Troops in Nigeria

After the airstrike targeting terrorist hideouts at the end of last year, the United States took steps to strengthen its military presence in the region. This development indicates an escalation of Washington’s commitment to security operations in West Africa, particularly in supporting efforts to eliminate extremist groups.

Background of the Airstrike

On December 25, 2025, U.S. forces launched an air operation against suspected terrorist strongholds in Nigeria. This action was part of the U.S. Africa Command’s strategy to reduce the footprint of militant groups and limit their movements in the area. The airstrike itself was conducted with little media noise, and only several weeks later was the information made public.

Africa Commander Confirms Troop Deployment

In early February, U.S. Africa Command Commander Dagvin Anderson officially confirmed that a military contingent had been sent to Nigeria following the previous air operation. According to information revealed by Jin10, Anderson made a brief statement but did not fully detail the number of troops involved or the geographic scope of the mission. The decision to deploy ground personnel marks a shift from purely aerial operations to a more integrated approach.

Mission Without Full Details

The first public disclosure of U.S. ground forces in Nigeria came after months of speculation and intelligence reports circulating through various media channels. Although Anderson confirmed their presence, the scale of the operation and specific targets remain undisclosed to the public. This approach reflects the American military’s usual practice of managing information about sensitive missions in allied countries, especially when it involves counterterrorism operations in geopolitically complex regions.