The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the deployment was described as a planned outcome of earlier engagements between Nigerian and U.S. defence officials at a bilateral working group meeting.
The DHQ explained that the presence of the American personnel followed a formal request by the Federal Government for targeted military training, technical assistance and expanded intelligence-sharing support.
According to the military high command, the collaboration is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to confront terrorist threats and improve the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
Major General Uba emphasised that the U.S. personnel are in Nigeria strictly in advisory and training roles and are not deployed for combat operations. He stressed that all activities will be carried out under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian government, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Nigerian troops are expected to commence a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with the visiting advisers. The engagements, the DHQ noted, will focus on enhancing operational planning, intelligence analysis and tactical proficiency in counter-terrorism missions.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces remain determined to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorist groups threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty. It also assured the public of continued transparency, pledging to provide timely and accurate updates on the scope and progress of the cooperation.
