DHQ Confirms Arrival of 100 US Military Personnel in Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and related equipment at the Bauchi Airfield.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the US personnel are technical experts deployed strictly in advisory and training roles, and not as combat troops.

According to him, all activities involving the visiting personnel will be carried out under the authority, direction, and control of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in close collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Major-General Uba stated that Nigerian troops will work alongside the US advisers in a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives. He explained that the engagements are aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of Nigerian forces to effectively identify and neutralise extremist and terrorist groups threatening national stability.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to decisively degrade and eliminate terrorist organisations undermining the country’s sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens.

The Defence spokesperson noted that the deployment followed deliberations between Nigerian and US military delegations during a recent working group engagement. He added that the presence of the US personnel was a planned and deliberate action, based on a formal request by the Federal Government to the United States for support in specific areas of military training, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing.

“The collaboration will grant Nigeria access to specialised technical capabilities designed to strengthen our ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities nationwide,” Uba stated.

He assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of accurate and timely information regarding ongoing military cooperation efforts.