The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of about 100 personnel of the United States Armed Forces and related equipment at the Bauchi Airfield in Bauchi State, as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the deployment was the outcome of earlier engagements between Nigerian and US defence officials at a bilateral working group meeting.

According to the DHQ, the presence of the US military advisers followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria seeking specialised training, technical assistance and enhanced intelligence-sharing cooperation.

The collaboration, the military high command explained, is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s operational effectiveness in confronting terrorism and improving the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.

Major General Uba noted that the partnership would provide access to advanced technical expertise to strengthen deterrence capabilities and improve response efficiency in counter-terrorism operations.

He stressed that the US personnel are in Nigeria strictly in an advisory and training role and are not deployed for combat duties.

“All activities will be carried out under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

The DHQ disclosed that Nigerian troops are expected to commence joint training exercises and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives with the visiting advisers, focusing on operational planning, intelligence analysis and tactical proficiency.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain determined to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorist groups threatening the country’s sovereignty.

The military authorities also assured Nigerians of transparency, pledging to provide timely and accurate updates on the scope and progress of the cooperation with the United States.