United States forces have begun a new round of military training for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State as both countries deepen security cooperation and efforts to improve Nigeria’s military capabilities.
The training, held at an operating location in Bauchi, is part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission focused on strengthening troop readiness, sharing military expertise and building long-term partner capacity, according to the United States Africa Command.
Nigerian personnel are receiving instruction in unmanned aircraft systems, combat lifesaver and tactical combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal and small-unit tactics.
US Army officers said Nigerian military leaders selected the training areas after American forces presented them with a range of available programmes based on the expertise of deployed personnel and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.
Unmanned aircraft systems attracted particular interest, with about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment receiving classroom and practical instruction on operating the systems and using intelligence gathered from them during military operations.
The joint exercises are also intended to improve interoperability and strengthen relationships between personnel from both countries. US and Nigerian troops have reportedly participated in informal activities, including basketball and volleyball, alongside their training sessions.
The development follows AFRICOM’s disclosure in July that the United States had withdrawn most troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation while maintaining intelligence-sharing and broader security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
