About 100 United States military personnel have arrived at Bauchi Airfield to provide training and technical support to Nigeria’s armed forces, according to the Defence Headquarters.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi Airfield to support Nigeria’s armed forces. In a statement on Monday, the DHQ’s Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed discussions during a working group engagement between Nigerian and US delegations.
The DHQ explained that the move was planned and deliberate, coming after a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for support in military training, technical assistance and intelligence sharing. It emphasised that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training capacities, not as combat forces, and that all activities will be carried out under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement reads partly, “The deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart. 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.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.” The military high command also assured Nigerians of transparency and timely updates as joint training and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives commence.
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