The Defence Headquarters has announced the arrival of 100 United States military personnel at Bauchi Airfield as part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government to the US government to support specific training, technical and intelligence needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to the DHQ, the US personnel are in the country strictly in an advisory and training capacity and will not participate in direct combat operations.
“The deployment is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement read.
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The military high command explained that the collaboration was part of resolutions reached during a working group engagement between Nigerian and US defence officials, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
It added that the presence of the US trainers would provide access to specialised technical capabilities designed to improve operational coordination and enhance Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities.
“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity.
“They 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 Nigerian Armed Forces,” the DHQ stated.
The defence authorities disclosed that Nigerian troops would immediately commence joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with the advisers under the framework of the bilateral arrangement.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation,” the statement added.
The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, stressing that the military remained resolute in degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens,” it said.
Meanwhile, reports monitored by PLATFORM TIMES indicated that additional US troops may be deployed in the coming weeks to expand training and operational coordination support, particularly in areas involving synchronisation of air and ground operations.
The expanded cooperation underscores deepening military ties between Abuja and Washington as Nigeria continues to confront insurgency, banditry and other asymmetric security threats.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians of transparency in the conduct of the joint activities and pledged to provide timely and accurate information regarding the military cooperation efforts.
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