FG Confirms Arrival of 100 U.S. Troops in Bauchi for Anti-Terror Training, Tech Support
The Federal Government yesterday confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel in Bauchi State, clarifying that their presence is strictly for training, intelligence sharing and technological support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this during an interview at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja, popularly known as the Ship House.
According to him, the U.S. troops were deployed with the approval of the Nigerian government to assist in specific areas, particularly in Bauchi State.
“Yes, some of them came. We’re working together… They have permission to come into certain areas in Bauchi to help us in training because of the fight we’re doing,” he said.
Musa explained that the collaboration focuses on advanced military technology, including drones and satellite systems, to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
“The U.S. has very good technology. They have drones. They have satellites, which are very critical for us,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also confirmed the development, announcing the arrival of approximately 100 U.S. military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military described the deployment as a planned outcome of prior engagements between Nigerian and U.S. defence officials.
According to the DHQ, the Federal Government formally requested U.S. support to meet clearly defined military training requirements, enhance intelligence sharing and access specialised technical capabilities.
“The U.S. personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” the statement emphasised.
All activities, the military said, will be conducted under Nigerian authority and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Musa stressed that the partnership is temporary and governed by a formal agreement that respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Whatever we’re doing is based on agreement. They respect our sovereignty… Once we finish the objective, they will move,” he assured.
The minister linked Nigeria’s growing security challenges to instability in the Sahel region, particularly following the collapse of Libya, which he said led to the proliferation of arms and criminal networks across West Africa.
“We need the support of friendly nations because the terrorists are everywhere, especially since the Sahel is broken,” Musa noted.
The collaboration is expected to boost Nigeria’s operational capacity to detect and neutralise extremist groups threatening national security.
Nigerian troops will participate in joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defeating terrorist organisations while pledging transparency in communicating developments surrounding the military partnership.
The deployment marks a renewed phase of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, as authorities intensify efforts to curb insurgency and restore stability across affected regions. Read More
