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Defence Headquarters confirms arrival of 100 US troops at Bauchi Airfield
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US personnel to support training, intelligence-sharing, not combat operations
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Federal Government requested deployment, DHQ assures transparency
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel at the Bauchi Airfield to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The US troops are expected to assist in specialised training and intelligence-sharing operations.
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In a statement on Monday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed formal engagements between Nigerian and US defence officials.
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According to him, the arrangement was based on a request by the Federal Government.
“The deployment forms part of the deliberations during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart,” Uba said.
He described the presence of the US personnel as “planned and deliberate,” noting that it is aimed at addressing specific military training requirements and providing technical support.
Uba stressed that the American personnel are not combat forces.
“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” he stated.
He added that all activities would be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian Government and in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DHQ said joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives would begin immediately.
“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 statement added.
The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Uba also assured Nigerians of transparency in the cooperation process, promising the provision of timely and accurate information on the partnership.