The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and their equipment at Bauchi Airfield, as part of a planned military cooperation initiative with Nigeria.
According to a release signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government for technical support, specialized training, and intelligence-sharing aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” Maj. Gen. Uba emphasized. “All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
The DHQ said Nigerian troops, alongside these US advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the ability of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups threatening national security and public safety.
Maj. Gen. Uba assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty and citizens. He further promised continued transparency, with clear, accurate, and timely information on the progress of the military collaboration.
The DHQ described the deployment as a deliberate and strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities, deter terrorist threats, and protect vulnerable communities across the country.
This initiative underscored Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to leveraging international partnerships to enhance national security while maintaining full control over domestic operations.
