The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment have arrived at Bauchi airfield.

Samaila Uba, defence director of communications, stated on Monday that the deployment is in accordance with a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US.

Uba stated that the federal government has formally requested help from the United States in the form of military training, technological support, and information sharing with Nigerian Armed Forces personnel.

“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement reads.

According to the defence director of information, the US personnel are technical professionals who are just providing advise and training support.

He emphasised that they are not combat troops, and that all training operations would be carried out under the federal government’s jurisdiction, command, and supervision, as well as in close conjunction with the Nigerian military.

In the coming days, Uba stated that Nigerian troops and US trainers will begin a series of combined training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperative operations.

“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” he added.

Uba stated that the military remains completely dedicated to degrading and defeating terrorist groups that pose a danger to the country’s sovereignty, national security, and public safety.

He also assured Nigerians of ongoing transparency and the supply of clear, accurate, and timely information about military cooperation operations.