By DAYO ADESULU
The (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel in Nigeria, marking a new phase in defence cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the military high command disclosed that the United States personnel, alongside associated equipment, touched down at Bauchi Airfield as part of an ongoing bilateral military partnership.
The announcement, signed by Major General , Director of Defence Information, clarified that the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government.
According to the DHQ, the presence of US military personnel in Nigeria is strictly tied to advisory and training roles and does not involve combat operations.
Why the US Military Personnel Are in Nigeria
The DHQ explained that the deployment forms part of deliberations reached during a working group engagement between Nigerian officials and their US counterparts.
Specifically, the Federal Government requested targeted military training, technical assistance, and intelligence-sharing support. As a result, Washington responded by sending technical specialists to strengthen Nigeria’s operational capabilities.
“This deployment is planned and deliberate,” the statement noted, emphasizing that the collaboration aims to support clearly defined training requirements within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters stressed that the US military personnel in Nigeria are not combat troops. Instead, they will function strictly as advisers and trainers.
“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” the DHQ stated.
Importantly, all activities will operate under the authority and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Joint Training and Intelligence Cooperation to Begin
In addition, Nigerian troops will commence joint engagements with the US advisers in the coming days. These engagements will focus on intelligence-driven operations and coordinated military training exercises.
According to the DHQ, the objective is clear: enhance the ability of Nigerian troops to identify, disrupt, and neutralize extremist and terrorist groups threatening national stability.
The collaboration will also improve operational coordination, especially in intelligence gathering and technical warfare capabilities. By leveraging specialized expertise, Nigeria hopes to strengthen its security architecture and protect vulnerable communities across the country.
Notably, this move comes as Nigeria continues its fight against insurgent groups operating in parts of the North-East and other regions.
Expansion of Nigeria–US Military Cooperation
The confirmation of 100 US military personnel in Nigeria follows earlier reports suggesting a broader deployment plan.
Last week, officials indicated that up to 200 US troops could be deployed to support training and technical operations. The expansion underscores deepening military ties between the two nations.
Speaking previously to AFP, Major General Samaila Uba confirmed Nigeria’s intention to secure US assistance for capacity building.
Meanwhile, reports by revealed that additional US personnel may supplement a small team already assisting Nigeria with airstrike targeting and operational coordination.
These reinforcements are expected to enhance synergy between ground forces and air units, particularly in coordinated strike missions.
However, both governments have consistently maintained that US forces will not engage in direct combat.
Armed Forces Reaffirm Commitment to National Security
As concerns about sovereignty and foreign troop presence continue to generate debate, the DHQ reassured Nigerians that the collaboration remains transparent and fully aligned with national interests.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
Moreover, the Defence Headquarters pledged to provide timely and accurate updates regarding the activities of US military personnel in Nigeria.
“The DHQ assures Nigerians of continued transparency,” the statement added.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Security Landscape
The arrival of US military personnel in Nigeria signals a strategic shift toward deeper international security cooperation. While the presence of foreign advisers may spark political debate, military authorities argue that technical partnerships remain essential in modern counterterrorism operations.
Today’s security threats require advanced intelligence systems, surveillance technologies, and coordinated strike capabilities. Therefore, defence partnerships often serve as force multipliers rather than replacements for domestic military efforts.
For Nigeria, this cooperation represents another step in its ongoing effort to modernise its armed forces and adapt to evolving security challenges.
As joint training begins at Bauchi Airfield, attention will likely focus on how quickly this collaboration translates into measurable gains on the battlefield.
For now, the message from Abuja remains firm: the US military personnel in Nigeria are here to train, advise, and support — not to fight Nigeria’s battles.
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