United States forces have begun training Nigerian military personnel in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other specialised skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
The training took place at an operating location in Bauchi State and forms part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation programme 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.
“US 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.
The command said the training programme was developed around the expertise available within US units and areas identified by their Nigerian counterparts as particularly beneficial.
Capt Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at the Bauchi operating location, said US personnel provided Nigerian commanders with 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.
Nigerian Forces Train on Unmanned Aircraft
AFRICOM said unmanned aircraft systems attracted particular interest from 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 a practical UAS training session.
The exercise began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction before the Nigerian personnel received hands-on training in operating the aircraft.
Murphy also demonstrated techniques for employing unmanned aircraft systems and integrating information gathered by 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 further training on the systems.
The US command said the exercises were not limited to technical and operational skills, but also provided opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to develop relationships and improve interoperability.
Feingold said such interactions were particularly important at the lower levels of the two military organisations.
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.
The report added that US and Nigerian personnel also take part in recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball, when operational commitments and weather conditions permit.
AFRICOM said additional training activities were being developed at the Bauchi operating location as both countries continued to identify areas where their personnel could exchange expertise and improve military capabilities.
The latest development follows an AFRICOM disclosure in July that the US had withdrawn most of its personnel deployed to Nigeria for a specific counter-terrorism operation, while maintaining intelligence-sharing arrangements and a broader security partnership with the Nigerian government.
