The United States has sent 100 soldiers to Nigeria, with the hopes of helping the West African country defend itself from the threat of armed groups.
Nigeria’s military announced the arrival of the troops, along with equipment, on Monday.
Nigeria has been plagued by violence, as its army is locked into a protracted fight with dozens of local armed groups, including Islamic extremists such as Boko Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province.
Among the groups are also the IS-linked Lakurawa, and other “bandit” groups, specializing in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining.
In a statement, the military said the Nigerian government had made a request to the US for help with training, technical support and intelligence-sharing.
Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, said the US troops are there for training purposes and will not engage in combat or have a direct operational role.
Nigerian forces will maintain complete command authority.
The arrival of US forces follows criticism by the Trump administration over Nigeria’s security situation. In December, US forces launched airstrikes on Islamic State group-affiliated militants in the country’s northwest.
