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Nigerian troops, alongside the 100 United States military personnel, are set to begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed.
The exercises are part of ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to counter extremist groups and strengthen national security.
News Central TV had earlier reported that at least three US military aircraft landed in Nigeria last Thursday and Friday, delivering ammunition and equipment to support the country’s fight against insurgency, according to senior defence officials. The aircraft reportedly touched down at military bases in Borno and other northeastern states.
DHQ, in a statement on Monday, confirmed the arrival of the US military troop.
It said the deployment follows a formal request from the Nigerian presidency for assistance with military training, technical support, and intelligence sharing with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart,” the DHQ said.
“The arrival is planned and deliberate, following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support, and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
According to DHQ, “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 US personnel are “technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” it added.
The Defence Headquarters also noted that “all training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian armed forces.”
Nigerian troops, alongside US advisers, are set to begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives to improve the Armed Forces’ ability to identify and neutralise extremist groups, the DHQ said.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens.”
The DHQ assured Nigerians of “continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate, and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.”
