From: George Coben, Bauchi
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Abuja, has announced the arrival of around 100 united states, non-combatant military personnel at the Bauchi airfield to support Nigeria’s Armed Forces in training and intelligence gathering.
A statement issued by the director, defence information, Major General Samaila Uba, said that the deployment was based on a request by the Federal Government during formal engagements between Nigerian and US defence officials.
Uba explained that the deployment forms part of the deliberations during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and it’s US counterpart.
“The presence of the US personnel was planned, deliberate, and aimed at addressing clearly defined military training requirements, as well as providing technical support, and intelligence sharing,” he further explained.
He said that the collaboration will provide Nigeria with access to specialized technical capabilities to strengthen efforts at deterring terrorist threats and protecting vulnerable communities.
“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” Uba stressed.
While adding that all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government, and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the director stated that the Nigerian troops, alongside the US advisers, would commence joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives designed to enhance operational capacity.
General Uba who said that Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations threatening the country’s sovereignty, and national security, assured the citizens of continuous transparency in the cooperation process.
