US Military Personnel Arrive in Bauchi for Training Support

On February 10, 2023, 100 US military personnel and equipment arrived in Bauchi, Nigeria, as part of an ongoing defense collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. Major General Samaila Uba stated that this deployment follows discussions during a recent working group engagement between military delegations from both countries.

The US personnel, who are technical specialists, will serve strictly in an advisory and training capacity, not as combat troops. They will conduct operations under the direct control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The aim is to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian troops to identify and neutralize extremist groups threatening national security. This deployment marks the beginning of a new phase in US-Nigeria security cooperation, with a steady flow of US military aircraft expected to continue over the coming weeks.

The US Africa Command is involved in supporting Nigeria's campaign against various extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province.