The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi Airfield to support Nigeria’s armed forces.
According to a statement on Monday by Samaila Uba, the DHQ’s Director of Defence Information, the body said the deployment followed discussions during a working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart.
It explained that the move was planned and deliberate, coming after a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for support in military training, technical assistance and intelligence sharing.
According to the DHQ, the cooperation will give Nigeria access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at improving its ability to deter terrorist threats and strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
The DHQ stressed that the US personnel are technical specialists serving only in an advisory and training role, not as combat forces.
It added that all training activities will be carried out under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Nigerian troops, alongside the advisers, are expected to begin joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives designed to boost their capacity to identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups threatening national stability.
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that endanger the country’s sovereignty, national security and citizens’ safety.
The military high command also assured Nigerians of transparency and timely updates on the cooperation efforts.
The statement reads partly, “The deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart. 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 terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
“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.
“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens.”
