On February 8, 2023, Dagvin Anderson, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted a courtesy visit to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. This meeting underscores the continuing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States concerning security matters. Alongside Anderson, the US delegation included key security personnel such as Keith Heffern, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy, and Peter Vrooman, Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to AFRICOM.

The recent visit comes amid rising public concern regarding the presence of US troops in Nigeria, which has caused some unrest in the local population. Reports have indicated that the US has deployed a small number of soldiers to Nigeria as part of broader security engagements, but this action has been met with public skepticism. To address the concerns initiated by the deployment, Nigeria's Defence Headquarters released a statement to clarify the nature of the relationship with the deployed troops and emphasize the mutual interests in security.

The visit highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing regional security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the context of combating terrorism and enhancing intelligence sharing. The meeting between Anderson and Tinubu is indicative of the US’s commitment to supporting Nigeria's security efforts, while also showcasing Nigeria's critical role in the stability of the West African region. It serves as a platform for further dialogue and cooperation in dealing with shared threats.