Terrorism: Defence HQ Confirms Arrival Of 100 US Troops In Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement, said deployment is part of the deliberations during a working group engagement between the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart.

This comes after the United States President approved the deployment of US troops and assets to help Nigeria push back ISWAP and its affiliates.

Recall that the United States, on the eve of Christmas 2025, launched devastating airstrikes on terrorists in Sokoto and other States in Northern Nigeria.

Earlier, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) was working closely with the Nigerian Government to push back terrorists from taking over capital cities in the Sahel region.

Nigerian Military authorities, in a statement, said, “The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

According to General Uba, the collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.

He said, “The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces.

He continued, “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 explained further that Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, would commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives.

These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens,” he said.

The DHQ, therefore, assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.