By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian military has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel in the country to support the capacity development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through specialised training, technical assistance and intelligence cooperation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the US personnel and associated equipment arrived at Bauchi Airfield as part of a planned bilateral defence engagement between Nigeria and the United States.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to its US counterpart to address clearly defined military training requirements and strengthen operational capabilities.
He explained that the visiting US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles and will not participate in combat operations. All activities, he added, will be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The collaboration is expected to provide Nigerian troops with access to specialised technical expertise designed to improve their ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities nationwide.
Under the arrangement, Nigerian troops and US advisers will begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation programmes aimed at improving the identification and neutralisation of extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to degrading and ultimately defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of citizens.
The military authorities also assured Nigerians of continued transparency and pledged to provide timely and accurate updates on the progress of the bilateral defence cooperation.
