United States forces have commenced a series of military training exercises for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other specialised skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
The training was conducted at Operating Location Bauchi in Bauchi State and forms part of a broader United States-Nigeria security cooperation mission focused on improving military capability, operational readiness and long-term partner capacity.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a report on Monday.
According to the report, the training covered Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.
“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 said.
It added that the exercises were designed around the expertise available within the US forces and areas identified by their Nigerian counterparts as particularly beneficial.
A logistics officer assigned to the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, and operations officer at Operating Location Bauchi, Capt. Gabriel Feingold, said Nigerian military leaders were given a range of training options from which they selected areas of interest.
“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.
The report noted that unmanned aircraft systems generated significant interest among the Nigerian personnel.
Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, led about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment through the UAS training.
The session began with approximately 45 minutes of classroom instruction before the Nigerian personnel proceeded to hands-on training on how to operate the aircraft.
Murphy also instructed the participants on techniques for deploying unmanned aircraft systems and integrating information gathered from the platforms into military operations.
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, adding that the Nigerian personnel expressed interest in receiving additional training on the system.
AFRICOM said the joint exercises went beyond technical and operational instruction, providing opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to develop relationships and improve interoperability.
Feingold said the interaction was particularly important at the lower levels of both militaries.
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.
The report also noted that US and Nigerian personnel sometimes participate in recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball, when operational commitments and weather conditions permit.
According to AFRICOM, such interactions provide additional opportunities for the two forces to strengthen relationships and improve cooperation.
The command said further training programmes were being developed at Operating Location Bauchi as both countries continued to identify areas where their personnel could exchange military expertise and train together.
“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 stated.
The latest training comes against the backdrop of ongoing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja in the fight against terrorism and other security threats confronting Nigeria.
In July, AFRICOM disclosed that the United States had withdrawn most of its troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation, while maintaining intelligence-sharing arrangements and a broader security partnership with the Nigerian government.
The continuation of joint training at Bauchi indicates that despite changes in the US military presence, Washington and Abuja remain engaged in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s operational capabilities through training, intelligence cooperation and the exchange of military expertise.