United States forces have stepped up military training for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State. The move comes as both countries deepen their security cooperation and seek to improve Nigeria’s military capabilities.
The training covers unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation, explosive ordnance disposal and small-unit tactics. The United States Africa Command disclosed this in a report on Monday. It said the exercises are taking place at Operating Location Bauchi.
According to the report, the training aims to share military expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s military capacity. It will also help build closer ties between service members from both countries. The programme includes Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction. Other areas include weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.
AFRICOM said US forces developed the training based on their available expertise. Nigerian counterparts also identified areas where they needed additional support. A logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Capt Gabriel Feingold, said US units first presented Nigerian officials with several training options.
“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.
Nigerian troops receive drone training
The report said Nigerian forces showed particular interest in unmanned aircraft systems. US personnel therefore provided specialised training to members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment. Sgt Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, led about 10 Nigerian personnel during the exercise.
The session began with about 45 minutes of instruction. The Nigerian personnel then received hands-on training in operating the aircraft. Murphy also taught them how to use unmanned aircraft systems during military operations. He explained how they could apply information gathered by the systems.
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said.
Murphy added that the Nigerian personnel wanted further training on the system. Beyond technical skills, AFRICOM said the exercises are helping both sides build stronger working relationships. The training is also improving their ability to work together.
US, Nigeria strengthen military ties
US and Nigerian personnel also take part in basketball and volleyball when operational duties and weather conditions allow. The report said the activities give service members more opportunities to build relationships outside formal military training.
AFRICOM said both sides are developing more training opportunities at Operating Location Bauchi. The new programmes will focus on areas where the countries can share expertise and improve military capabilities.
“Additional training opportunities are being developed at OL Bauchi as U.S. and Nigerian forces continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and train together,” the report said.
The latest training comes after AFRICOM disclosed in July that the US had withdrawn most of its troops from Nigeria. Those troops had supported a specific counterterrorism operation. However, the US said it would maintain its intelligence-sharing and security partnership with Nigeria.
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