DHQ confirms arrival of 100 US military personnel for counterterrorism support

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield as part of a bilateral defence cooperation initiative between Nigeria and the United States.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed engagements between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterparts during a recent bilateral working group meeting.

According to the DHQ, the presence of the US personnel is the result of a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for assistance in addressing specific military training needs, technical support, and intelligence-sharing requirements.

The statement clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles and are not deployed as combat forces.

“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the DHQ said.

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The military added that the collaboration would provide Nigeria with access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening its capacity to counter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities.

Under the arrangement, Nigerian troops are expected to participate in joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives alongside US advisers.

The DHQ said the activities are designed to improve the operational readiness of Nigerian forces and enhance their ability to identify and neutralise extremist groups threatening national security.

The defence authorities reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and citizens.

The DHQ also assured Nigerians of transparency, pledging to provide clear and timely information on ongoing military cooperation between both countries.