The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at the Bauchi Airfield to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in training, technical assistance, and intelligence cooperation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the deployment is part of ongoing Nigeria–United States defence collaboration. He explained that the move followed deliberations during a recent working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart.
According to the DHQ, the arrival of the US personnel is planned and deliberate, based on a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for support in addressing clearly defined military training needs. The collaboration is expected to provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and improve the protection of vulnerable communities nationwide.
The military high command clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity, and not combat troops. It emphasised that all training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement added that Nigerian troops, alongside the advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of troops to effectively identify, counter, and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens. It also assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate, and timely information regarding the ongoing military cooperation efforts.
