The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel in Nigeria to support the training and capacity development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the U.S. personnel and associated equipment arrived at Bauchi Airfield under a structured bilateral defence engagement between Nigeria and the United States.
Uba clarified that the deployment followed a formal request by Nigeria to the U.S. Government for clearly defined military training, technical support and intelligence-sharing assistance.
He explained that the collaboration resulted from deliberations during a joint working group meeting between Nigerian and U.S. defence delegations.
“The U.S. personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” he said.
The defence spokesman stressed that all activities would be carried out under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the AFN.
He added that the partnership would grant Nigeria access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening its capacity to deter terrorist threats and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
Nigerian troops are expected to commence a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused initiatives with the U.S. advisers to enhance operational effectiveness against extremist groups.
Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security. He also assured Nigerians of transparency and timely updates regarding the ongoing military cooperation.
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