The United States military has commenced a series of specialised training exercises for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and military cooperation between both countries.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the training was designed to improve the operational capabilities, readiness and long-term capacity of Nigerian security forces.
According to AFRICOM, the exercises are being held at an undisclosed operating location in Bauchi and cover a wide range of military skills, including unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, weapons handling and small-unit tactics.
Other areas of instruction include camouflage techniques, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, Combat Lifesaver training and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
AFRICOM said the activities are part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation initiative aimed at sharing military expertise and improving coordination between personnel from both countries.
“U.S. and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training events at Operating Location Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening partner capacity and building relationships between service members from both nations,” AFRICOM stated.
The command added that Nigerian military personnel showed particular interest in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at Operating Location Bauchi, said American military units provided Nigerian leadership with several training options, allowing them to select areas considered most relevant to their operational needs.
As part of the drone training, Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, led a session for about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.
The training reportedly began with approximately 45 minutes of classroom instruction, followed by practical sessions in which the Nigerian personnel learned how to operate the unmanned aircraft.
Beyond the technical aspects of the exercises, AFRICOM said the joint training also provided an opportunity for personnel from both countries to strengthen professional relationships and improve interoperability.
Feingold said the interaction was especially important because it allowed military personnel at the lower levels to establish stronger working relationships with their counterparts.
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.
The United States said the continued cooperation with Nigeria reflects its commitment to supporting partner forces through training, knowledge-sharing and enhanced military readiness.
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