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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of 100 United States military trainers and equipment in Nigeria, saying they touched down at the Bauchi airfield under a new security cooperation agreement.
Defence spokesman Samaila Uba said the deployment followed a recent pact between Nigeria and the United States aimed at strengthening the fight against terrorism.
According to him, the Federal Government formally requested assistance in military training, technical support, and intelligence sharing for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“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,” Uba said.
He emphasised that the US personnel are not combat troops but technical experts serving strictly in advisory and training roles, with all activities conducted under Nigeria’s authority and in close coordination with the military.
Uba added that joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation would commence in the coming days to enhance Nigerian troops’ capacity to identify and neutralise extremist groups.
The deployment comes after months of diplomatic strain following criticism by US President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, particularly attacks linked to Islamist militants.
Trump had previously designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and ordered airstrikes against suspected Islamic State targets in the North-west an operation later confirmed by both governments as a coordinated effort.
Following discussions with Nigerian authorities in Abuja, the head of United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that a small team of US military officers had been deployed to support intelligence operations.
Nigeria continues to battle several armed groups, including Boko Haram, its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province, and other criminal networks engaged in kidnapping and illegal mining.
Thousands of people have been killed in the prolonged conflict, according to figures from the United Nations, as the military intensifies efforts to restore security across the country.
The Defence Headquarters said the renewed cooperation with the US is expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and protect vulnerable communities nationwide
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