US military trainers arrive Nigeria to support armed forces
By: Zagazola Makama
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment in Nigeria to support capacity building for the nation’s armed forces.
The DHQ said the trainers arrived at Bauchi Airfield as part of a bilateral defence cooperation arrangement between the Nigeria and the United States following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the military authorities, the deployment was agreed upon during a joint working group engagement between Nigerian and U.S. officials to address specific training, technical support and intelligence-sharing requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DHQ stated that the visiting personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles and will not participate in combat operations.
It explained that all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with national military leadership.
The collaboration is expected to provide Nigerian troops with access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening their ability to deter terrorist threats and improve protection for vulnerable communities across the country.
Military authorities added that joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives would commence immediately to enhance troops’ capacity to identify and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the nation.
The DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.
It also assured citizens of transparency and pledged to provide clear, accurate and timely information regarding the ongoing military cooperation.
