Nigeria Military confirmed the arrival of around 100 US personnel and equipment at a airfield, marking the start of enhanced bilateral cooperation to train local forces against jihadist groups amid escalating insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation.
The Defence Headquarters announced the deployment at Bauchi Airfield, part of a security pact where Abuja sought Washington’s help in military instruction, technical aid and intelligence sharing.1866cc The Americans, described as technical experts in advisory roles rather than combatants, will operate under Nigerian oversight.
Spokesman Samaila Uba outlined the initiative’s goals: “The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.”623e05 He added: “These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation.”3041ca
Uba reaffirmed commitment to combating insurgents: “The military remains fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist groups that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens.”e21b11 He pledged transparency in the joint efforts.
The move follows US President Donald Trump’s rebukes of Nigeria’s handling of attacks on Christians, his labeling of the country as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedoms, and collaborative airstrikes against Islamic State affiliates.dd06eb US Africa Command chief General Dagvin Anderson verified the team’s focus on intelligence support.
Nigeria grapples with threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa and bandits linked to kidnappings and illegal mining, with UN figures estimating thousands killed annually.acb1de The DHQ stressed the partnership upholds sovereignty, emphasizing capacity building, education, intelligence, logistics and dialogue.
Neither the US embassy nor Nigerian officials provided further details on the mission’s duration or scope.
