The United States has stepped up military cooperation with Nigeria by commencing specialised training for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State, with the programme focused on improving operational readiness and strengthening the capabilities of the Nigerian security forces.
The training, conducted at a US operating location in Bauchi, is being organised as part of the broader security partnership between Washington and Abuja. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the initiative is designed to share military expertise, enhance partner capacity and improve cooperation between personnel from both countries.
The programme covers several areas of military operations, including tactical combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage techniques, water treatment, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.
According to AFRICOM, the subjects were selected after Nigerian military authorities reviewed a range of training options presented by their American counterparts and identified areas considered most valuable to their operations.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, said the approach allows Nigerian military leaders to determine the areas in which they require additional expertise.
Nigerian Forces Receive Drone Training
One of the areas that attracted significant interest from the Nigerian side was unmanned aircraft systems.
AFRICOM said about 10 personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment received instruction from Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst attached to the US military’s 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
The training combined classroom lessons with practical exercises, allowing the Nigerian personnel to gain hands-on experience with the aircraft. They were also shown how unmanned systems can be deployed and how intelligence collected through the platforms can support military operations.
The Nigerian participants reportedly expressed interest in receiving additional instruction on the technology following the practical sessions.
Focus on Stronger Military Cooperation
Beyond the technical aspects of the exercise, AFRICOM said the programme is also intended to improve relationships and interoperability between American and Nigerian service members.
US officials said interactions at the operational level are important for developing stronger working relationships between the two militaries. Joint recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball when operational schedules and weather conditions permit, have also provided opportunities for personnel from both countries to interact outside formal training.
AFRICOM said additional training opportunities are being developed at the Bauchi location as both countries continue to identify areas for exchanging expertise and strengthening military capacity.
The latest engagement comes amid continuing efforts by Nigeria to improve its military capabilities in response to the country’s security challenges.
It also follows the United States’ decision to withdraw most personnel previously deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation, while maintaining intelligence-sharing arrangements and broader security cooperation with Abuja.
The continued training and technical cooperation therefore signal that the US-Nigeria security relationship remains active, with greater emphasis on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces through specialised training, knowledge-sharing and operational support.
