Insecurity: DHQ confirms arrival of 100 US military personnel, equipment in Bauchi

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment in Nigeria.

According to the military high command, the U.S. troops and their equipment landed at the Bauchi Airfield, officially known as the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Bauchi State International Airport, in Bauchi State.

In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed discussions held during a working group engagement between Nigerian and United States officials.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield. The deployment forms part of the deliberations during a working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its U.S. counterpart,” Uba stated.

He explained that the deployment was planned and executed after the Federal Government of Nigeria formally requested support from the U.S. Government in specific areas, including military training, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The arrival is planned and deliberate, following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the U.S. Government to support clearly defined military training requirements, technical support, and intelligence sharing with members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he added.

Uba noted that the partnership would give Nigeria access to specialised technical expertise aimed at strengthening efforts to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities nationwide.

He clarified that the U.S. personnel are serving strictly in advisory and training roles and 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,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that Nigerian troops and the U.S. advisers would soon begin joint training exercises and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives designed to enhance the country’s ability to identify and neutralise extremist groups threatening national security.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, he emphasised, remain committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that endanger the country’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.