US troops arrive in Nigeria on training mission

"Nigeria's government is seeking US help with training, technical support and intelligence-sharing, to combat violence from extremist groups threatening its territory. 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 toops, 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."

Nigeria requested US assistance with training, technical support and intelligence-sharing to counter violence by extremist and criminal armed groups. The United States deployed 100 soldiers and equipment to Nigeria; military officials said the troops are present for training, will not engage in combat, and will not have a direct operational role. Nigerian forces will maintain complete command authority. Nigeria's army is engaged in a prolonged fight with groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, the IS-linked Lakurawa and bandit groups involved in kidnapping and illegal mining. The deployment follows earlier US airstrikes and tensions after presidential accusations about protection of Christians; the Nigerian government called those claims unfounded and disparaging.

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