About 100 United States military trainers have arrived in Nigeria to support capacity building efforts within the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed.
The personnel, accompanied by technical equipment, landed at Bauchi Airfield as part of a planned defence cooperation programme between Nigeria and the United States. The initiative follows recent engagements between both countries through a joint working group and a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria for targeted military assistance.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the deployment focuses on training, technical advisory support and intelligence sharing. The objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s operational effectiveness against terrorist threats and improve the protection of communities exposed to insecurity.
Military authorities stressed that the US personnel are not deployed in a combat role. They are technical specialists assigned strictly to advisory and training duties. All activities will take place under the full authority and control of the Nigerian Government and in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Joint training exercises and intelligence focused cooperation are expected to begin shortly. These engagements aim to improve the ability of Nigerian troops to detect, disrupt and neutralise extremist groups seeking to undermine national stability.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to confronting terrorist organisations that pose risks to Nigeria’s sovereignty, national security and public safety. It also assured the public that updates on the cooperation will be communicated transparently and in a timely manner.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, on 16 February 2026.
