United States forces have stepped up military training for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State, with unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other specialised military skills featuring prominently in the exercises.
The training is part of broader US-Nigeria security cooperation aimed at improving the capability, readiness and long-term capacity of Nigerian forces.
According to a report by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the exercises at Operating Location Bauchi covered Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.
Nigerian troops receive hands-on drone training
The report said the training areas were selected based on expertise available among US personnel and needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.
A US Army logistics officer, Capt Gabriel Feingold, said American units presented Nigerian leadership with several training options before the Nigerian side selected the areas considered most beneficial.
The unmanned aircraft systems training reportedly attracted particular interest from Nigerian forces, with Sgt Mark Murphy leading about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment through the session.
Murphy said the Nigerian personnel were enthusiastic about the practical session and interested in receiving further training on the systems.
US-Nigeria security cooperation continues
The US report said the exercises also provided opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to strengthen relationships and improve interoperability.
It added that further training opportunities were being developed at the Bauchi location as both sides continued identifying areas for military knowledge-sharing.
The latest development comes after AFRICOM disclosed in July that the US had withdrawn most troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation, while maintaining intelligence-sharing and security cooperation with the country.