100 US troops land in Nigeria as Islamic militants threaten West Africa regional security

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Around 100 U.S.troops and military equipment arrived in Nigeria Monday to helpsupport local forces battling Islamic militantsand other armed groups in the West African nation, the Nigerian military said.

The U.S.personnel touched down as part of a broader security cooperation effort between Washington and Abuja with 100 more arriving over time.

The arrival came at the request of the Nigerian government, which sought assistance with training, technical support and intelligence sharing as it confronts violence, theAssociated Pressreported.

About 200 U.S.Africa Command personnel are expected to deploy to Nigeria in total and in what officials have described as a support mission aimed at strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces.

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U.S.Army Lt.Gen.John W.Brennan, deputy commander, U.S.Africa Command met Nigerian officials upon arriving in Nigeria for talks.(U.S.Army Sgt.1st Class Kenneth Tucceri)

The effort is focused on combating Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, both of which have carried out attacks in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

The first batch of troops represents the initial group of what is expected to be a roughly 200-person deployment of others, including U.S.intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers.

The move follows recent visits bysenior U.S.Africa Commandofficials to Abuja to reinforce military-to-military ties and expand counterterrorism cooperation.

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Nigerian soldiers man a checkpoint in Gwoza, Nigeria.(AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)

On Feb.8, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu met with a high-level U.S.delegation led by U.S.Africa Command commander Gen.Dagvin Anderson at the State House in Abuja, according toNigeria’s presidency.

The meeting included senior officials from Nigeria’s military, security and intelligence agencies and focused on expanding intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

Monday’s deployment came astensions between Washington and Abujahave eased following earlier friction over religious violence and civilian protection.

AMERICANS CAN’T CLOSE OUR EYES TO THE MURDER OF CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA

Split of President Donald Trump and President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu(Ton Molina/Getty Images;Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump had previously accused Nigeria of failing toprotect Christiansfrom what he described as a genocide, citing attacks by extremist groups and armed bandits.

Trump ordered airstrikeson Dec.25 targeting Islamic State militants and said they were responsible for killing Christians.

Africom conducted strikes in Sokoto State innorthwest Nigeriatargeting what it described as Islamic State terrorists and said they werecoordinated with Nigerian authorities.

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“The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social at the time.

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