The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and related equipment at Bauchi Airfield, describing the move as part of ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Major General , Director of Defence Information, the DHQ explained that the deployment followed deliberations during a working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart.
According to the statement, the presence of the US military trainers stems from a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria seeking support in specific areas of military training, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DHQ emphasized that the deployment is both planned and strategic, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework and enhancing the operational effectiveness of its troops.
It noted that the collaboration would provide Nigeria with access to specialized technical capabilities designed to improve its ability to deter terrorist threats and safeguard vulnerable communities across the country.
Clarifying concerns about the nature of the deployment, the Defence Headquarters stressed that the US personnel are not combat troops but technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles. All training activities, it added, will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian government, in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The statement further disclosed that Nigerian troops will soon begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with the US advisers. These engagements are intended to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian forces to identify and neutralize extremist groups seeking to destabilize the nation.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria pledged to continue efforts aimed at degrading and defeating terrorist organizations threatening the country’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
The DHQ also assured Nigerians of transparency in its operations, promising clear, accurate, and timely communication regarding the ongoing military cooperation.
Meanwhile, earlier reports indicated that the United States plans to deploy up to 200 troops to Nigeria to expand training and technical support efforts. Both Nigerian and US officials have maintained that the personnel will not engage in direct combat operations.
The expanded cooperation underscores deepening military ties between Washington and Abuja as Nigeria intensifies its campaign against insurgency and terrorism.
