The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday confirmed that approximately 100 United States military personnel, along with equipment, have arrived in Nigeria to support capacity development within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Military authorities disclosed that the team landed at the Bauchi Airfield under a bilateral defence cooperation framework between Nigeria and the United States. The deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government.
According to the DHQ, the decision was finalised during a joint working group meeting involving Nigerian and U.S. officials. The discussions centred on identified training requirements, technical assistance, and gaps in intelligence-sharing within Nigeria’s military structure.
The DHQ clarified that the visiting American personnel are technical experts operating strictly in advisory and training roles.
Authorities stressed that the U.S. team will not participate in combat missions.
It was further stated that all training exercises will take place under the authority, supervision, and control of the Nigerian Government, in close collaboration with the country’s military leadership.
The DHQ noted that the partnership is designed to grant Nigerian forces access to specialised technical expertise that will enhance their operational capacity, strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, and improve protection for vulnerable communities nationwide.
According to the statement, joint training programmes and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives will begin immediately, with the goal of improving troops’ ability to detect and neutralise extremist elements threatening national stability.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s resolve to degrade and eliminate terrorist groups undermining the country’s sovereignty and security.
It also assured Nigerians of full transparency in the engagement and pledged to provide clear, accurate, and timely updates concerning the ongoing military collaboration.
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