The Department of Defense is planning to send Special Operations advisors to Nigeria to help in the fight against Boko Haram. The New York Times reports that the advisors would be responsible for training and capacity building, but would not be acting as combatants. This event marks a continuing trend of improved cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria in regards to fighting Boko Haram, after a period of tense relations in 2014. Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari has implemented reforms since taking office that appear to have been very successful in combating Boko Haram, and additional American expertise in counter-insurgency operations will likely continue to improve Nigeria’s ability to erode the group’s capabilities.
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