One hundred United States military personnel have arrived in Nigeria to support the country’s fight against terrorism, Nigerian defence officials have said.
The advisers, along with their equipment, landed at the Bauchi airfield on Monday, according to a statement from Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information.
The deployment follows recent talks between delegations from Nigeria and the United States, during which Nigeria formally requested targeted military training, technical assistance and improved intelligence sharing.
Major General Uba said the collaboration is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and improve the protection of vulnerable communities.
He stressed that the US personnel are technical specialists who will operate strictly in advisory and training roles, and not as combat troops.
“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian government, and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Nigerian troops are expected to take part in a series of joint training programmes and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with the advisers. The aim, officials say, is to improve the military’s capacity to identify, disrupt and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said it remains determined to defeat terrorist organisations threatening the nation’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
The military leadership also pledged transparency, assuring Nigerians that clear and timely information would be provided as the cooperation progresses.
