The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of about 100 United States, IS military personnel alongside associated equipment at the Bauchi Airfield, as part of ongoing military cooperation and bilateral defence engagement between Nigeria and the US.
In a statement, the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba said that the deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and it’s US counterpart.
Support and Intelligence
According to him, “the arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Nigerian Government to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Major General Uba said that “the collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country”.
He said; ‘The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity.
“They are not combat forces. All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” Major General Uba said.
Degrading and Defeating
He said; “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens.”
The DHQ assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.