U.S. Forces Train Nigerian Troops in Bauchi State

The United States Africa Command is conducting a series of military training exercises for Nigerian troops at Operating Location Bauchi in Bauchi State. The program focuses on enhancing military capability, readiness, and long-term partner capacity through modules including unmanned aircraft systems, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

Nigerian leadership selected the specific training areas from a list of options provided by U.S. forces. Members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment showed particular interest in unmanned aircraft systems, receiving hands-on instruction from the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion to better integrate aerial intelligence into tactical missions.

This cooperation follows a July announcement that the U.S. had withdrawn most troops previously deployed to Nigeria for counterterrorism operations, though it maintains an intelligence-sharing partnership. Approximately 100 U.S. soldiers arrived in Bauchi in February to support these efforts, with the Nigerian government requesting that U.S. personnel not participate in combat operations.

Nigerian military officials report significant breakthroughs resulting from this collaboration. Acting military information officer Mohammed Goni stated that over 150 terrorists surrendered within one week, and numerous kidnapped victims were rescued in Oyo and Kwara states.