The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, announced the development in a statement on Monday, clarifying that the U.S. personnel are technical specialists operating strictly in an advisory and training capacity—not as combat forces.
According to him, 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.
Uba disclosed that Nigerian troops, alongside the U.S. advisers, will begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness.
He explained that the programme is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian forces to identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the country.
The DDI further noted that the deployment followed deliberations between a Nigerian delegation and its U.S. counterpart during a bilateral working group engagement. He stressed that the arrival of the personnel was planned and deliberate, coming after a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for military training support, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” Uba stated.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to defeating terrorist organisations threatening the nation’s sovereignty and security, while also pledging transparency and timely updates on the military cooperation efforts.
