The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of 100 United States military personnel and equipment in Nigeria, stating that they landed at the Bauchi airfield as part of a new bilateral security arrangement.
In a statement on Monday, Defence spokesperson Brigadier General Samaila Uba said the deployment followed a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US.
According to him, the Federal Government formally requested US assistance in military training, technical support and intelligence sharing to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement said.
Uba clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles, not combat troops. He stressed that all activities would be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Federal Government, in close coordination with the Nigerian military.
He added that Nigerian troops and US trainers would begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-focused engagements in the coming days to boost counterterrorism capabilities.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the nation,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the military’s commitment to defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, while assuring the public of transparency regarding the cooperation.
The development follows months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has criticised Nigeria over alleged failures to protect Christians from attacks by Islamist militants and armed groups. He recently designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, a move rejected by the Nigerian government, which maintains that violence in the country affects people of all faiths.
Trump also ordered airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying they targeted Islamic State-linked militants in the North-West. Both US and Nigerian authorities later described the action as a collaborative effort.
After meetings in Abuja, the head of United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that a small team of US officers was in Nigeria to provide intelligence support.
While some critics argue that the arrangement raises sovereignty concerns, the Defence Headquarters said the partnership focuses primarily on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue, in line with existing bilateral frameworks.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as other criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and illegal mining. According to United Nations data, the prolonged insurgency and banditry have claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
