US Deploys Training Personnel to Nigeria in New Defence Partnership

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel, along with specialist equipment, at Bauchi Airfield as part of ongoing defence cooperation between both countries.

In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ said the deployment followed deliberations during a recent working-group engagement involving Nigerian and US defence officials. The move, it noted, follows a formal request by the Federal Government for support in specific training needs, technical assistance and intelligence sharing for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to the statement, the collaboration is expected to provide advanced technical capabilities aimed at boosting Nigeria’s capacity to deter terror threats and strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.

The DHQ emphasised that the US personnel are technical specialists serving solely in advisory and training roles and are not combat forces. All training activities, it said, will take place under the authority and direction of the Nigerian Government, and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Nigerian troops will commence a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with the US advisers. Officials say the activities are designed to improve the ability of Nigerian forces to identify and counter extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that pose a threat to national sovereignty and public safety.

The DHQ assured Nigerians of continued transparency and regular updates on the progress of the defence cooperation.