By Ayomide Otitoju
The 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 recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US.
In a statement issued on Monday, Defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government to the United States for military training, technical support and intelligence-sharing assistance for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, the collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to deter terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities.
Uba clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles, not combat forces. He added that all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Federal Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian military.
He disclosed that Nigerian troops and US trainers would commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives in the coming days to enhance operational capacity against extremist groups.
The development comes amid heightened security challenges across the country, including insurgency by Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as other armed groups involved in kidnapping and illegal mining.
The deployment also follows recent engagement between Nigerian authorities and the United States, including discussions involving the US Africa Command. The head of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, had earlier confirmed that a small team of US military officers was in Nigeria to provide intelligence support.
While some critics have questioned the arrangement, citing concerns over sovereignty, the DHQ maintained that the partnership focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue, all within existing bilateral frameworks.
Uba assured Nigerians of continued transparency and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defeating terrorist groups threatening the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
