The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield in furtherance of Nigeria–US defence cooperation.
In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, the DHQ explained that the deployment followed deliberations during a bilateral working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart.
The arrival, it noted, was planned and deliberate, stemming from a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the United States government for support in clearly defined areas of military training, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing with members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The collaboration is expected to provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities nationwide.
The DHQ clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity and are not combat forces. All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Nigerian troops, alongside the advisers, are set to commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives designed to enhance operational capacity in identifying and neutralising extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten national sovereignty, security, and the safety of citizens.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians of continued transparency and pledged to provide clear, accurate, and timely information regarding the ongoing military cooperation efforts.
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