Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi airfield, describing the deployment as part of a bilateral security cooperation framework.
In a statement issued on Monday, Defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the DHQ, the Federal Government formally requested US support in the areas of military training, technical assistance and intelligence sharing for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Uba explained that the US personnel are technical specialists operating strictly in advisory and training capacities, and not as combat forces. He stressed that all activities would be conducted under the authority and control of the Federal Government in close coordination with Nigerian military authorities.
“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,” the statement said.
The DHQ disclosed that Nigerian troops, alongside the US trainers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives in the coming days. The exercises are expected to improve operational effectiveness in identifying and neutralising extremist groups.
The military reiterated its commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security, while assuring citizens of transparency in the implementation of the cooperation framework.
The deployment comes amid heightened security concerns and ongoing counterterrorism operations across several parts of the country. Nigeria continues to confront armed groups including Boko Haram, its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province, and other criminal networks involved in kidnapping and illegal mining.
The DHQ maintained that the partnership with the United States focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue, and is being carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and existing bilateral agreements.
