RismadarVoice Reporters
February 16, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel, along with associated equipment, at Bauchi Airfield to support the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to a statement by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the deployment follows a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government for assistance in military training, technical support, and intelligence sharing.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities nationwide. The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles and are not combat forces. All activities will be conducted under the authority and direction of the Nigerian Government in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
As part of the initiative, Nigerian troops will participate in joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation programs alongside their US counterparts. These efforts are designed to improve the Armed Forces’ ability to identify and neutralize extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten our sovereignty, national security, and the safety of our citizens,” the statement said.
