The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that 100 United States military personnel, along with equipment, have arrived in Nigeria, landing at the Bauchi airfield as part of a new bilateral security arrangement.
In a statement issued on Monday, Defence spokesman Samaila Uba explained that the deployment follows a recently concluded security agreement between Nigeria and the United States.
He noted that the Federal Government formally sought assistance from Washington in the areas of military training, technical expertise, and intelligence sharing to support the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, the partnership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorism and improve security across vulnerable communities.
“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,” the statement reads.
Uba clarified that the American personnel are technical experts operating solely in advisory and training roles. He emphasised that they are not combat troops and will not engage directly in military operations.
He further stressed that all training programmes will be carried out under the authority, supervision, and control of the Federal Government, in close coordination with Nigeria’s military leadership.
According to the defence spokesman, Nigerian forces, working alongside US trainers, will begin a series of joint training sessions and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives in the coming days. These engagements are intended to strengthen the operational capability of Nigerian troops to detect and dismantle extremist networks seeking to destabilise the country.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” he added.
Uba reaffirmed the military’s resolve to weaken and ultimately defeat armed groups threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty, national security, and citizens’ safety. He also assured the public that authorities would maintain transparency and provide timely updates regarding the ongoing collaboration.
The deployment comes after months of mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who had criticised Nigeria’s government over what he described as insufficient protection for Christians amid attacks by Islamist militants and armed groups. Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification the Nigerian government rejected, maintaining that insecurity in the country affects people of all religious backgrounds.
On Christmas Day, Trump ordered airstrikes in Nigeria, stating that they targeted Islamic State militants operating in the North-west and allegedly responsible for attacks on Christians. Both US and Nigerian officials later acknowledged that the operation was conducted collaboratively.
Following high-level consultations in Abuja, the head of United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that a limited number of US military officers were already in Nigeria, focusing primarily on intelligence assistance.
Despite the assurances, some critics have raised concerns, arguing that the presence of foreign military personnel could undermine Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty.
However, the Defence Headquarters reiterated that the partnership is centred on capacity development, professional military education, intelligence exchange, logistical assistance, and strategic cooperation. Uba maintained that all engagements with the US are undertaken within established bilateral frameworks and with full respect for Nigeria’s independence.
Nigeria continues to grapple with prolonged security challenges involving multiple armed groups competing for territorial control. These include the homegrown Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the ISIL-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Other armed actors include the ISIL-linked Lakurawa group, as well as criminal bandit networks known for kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining operations.
According to data from the United Nations, thousands of people have lost their lives as a result of ongoing violence across different regions of the country.
What you should know
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel in Bauchi under a new Nigeria-US security agreement.
The US team will serve in advisory and training roles, focusing on intelligence sharing and capacity building, not combat operations.
The move follows diplomatic tensions and collaborative counterterrorism efforts between both nations, as Nigeria continues its fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups.
