The Defence Headquarters has assured Nigerians that the ongoing partnership with the United States military will soon begin to deliver noticeable improvements in the country’s security landscape.
On February 16, 2026, the DHQ confirmed the deployment of about 100 US military personnel and equipment to Bauchi Airfield.
The military clarified that the foreign personnel are in Nigeria strictly to provide technical support, training, and advisory services for counter-terrorism operations, and are not involved in combat.
Despite their presence, insecurity has persisted in several parts of the country, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.
Speaking at the military’s end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, said the support from the United States has been substantial, especially in intelligence sharing and capacity building.
He noted that the assistance is being offered under favourable conditions to strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing operations against security threats.
Onoja explained that the benefits of such cooperation may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military operations but expressed optimism that its impact would soon be evident.
“You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms.
There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality,” he said.
He further noted that the intelligence being provided includes details on the locations of threats and hostile elements, which Nigerian troops are expected to act upon.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
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You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks you will feel the difference in the impact in the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.
The Defence Headquarters also reassured citizens of heightened security measures ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Onoja disclosed that troops across the country have been placed on alert to prevent any security breaches during the festive period.
He said similar arrangements were made during previous celebrations such as Christmas and Easter and would continue as part of routine security measures.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities.
The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He stressed that security agencies would remain vigilant, noting that criminal elements often attempt to exploit festive periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax. But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.