At least 100 United States military personnel, along with associated equipment, have arrived at Bauchi Airfield, as part of ongoing U.S support in the fight against terrorism.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced this in a statement on Monday through the Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba.
The US and Nigeria have significantly intensified their bilateral defence ties to combat terrorism. Following a surge in terrorist attacks and high-level diplomatic engagement, the U.S is providing direct military assistance, intelligence, and training to help Nigeria combat Boko Haram and splinter groups.
In December 2025, the US in collaboration with the Nigerian military conducted coordinated air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State. This was followed by the delivery of military equipment to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian armed forces.
According to Uba, the deployment of the 100 US military personnel forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its U.S counterpart.
He said, “The arrival 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 the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.”
Uba explained that the US personnel were technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity and were not combat forces.
According to the Defence spokesperson, all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Uba said that Nigerian troops, alongside the US advisers, would commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives, emphasizing that these activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation.
He said the Nigerian military remains fully committed to “degrading and defeating” terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens.
Uba assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.
