The United States military has initiated specialized training for Nigerian troops, focusing on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), combat casualty care, and other essential military skills to bolster security cooperation between the two nations.
The training is being conducted at an Operating Location in Bauchi State as part of a broader US-Nigeria mission to enhance military capability, operational readiness, and long-term partner capacity. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported on Monday that the curriculum—developed based on expertise from US personnel and identified needs from Nigerian leadership—includes Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, water treatment, explosive ordnance disposal, and small-unit tactics.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, noted that Nigerian leadership selected these specific training areas to best suit their operational requirements.
Of particular interest to the Nigerian forces was the instruction on unmanned aircraft systems. Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, trained 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment, guiding them through classroom instruction and practical field operations. Murphy highlighted the trainees’ enthusiasm for the hands-on experience and their interest in pursuing further UAS training.
Beyond technical proficiency, AFRICOM emphasized that the joint exercises aim to strengthen interoperability and personal relationships between American and Nigerian service members, particularly at the lower levels. These efforts are further supported by recreational activities, such as basketball and volleyball, when conditions allow.
AFRICOM stated that both nations are actively developing additional training opportunities at the Bauchi location to continue the exchange of expertise. This latest engagement follows a July disclosure by AFRICOM that the US had withdrawn most troops previously deployed for a specific counterterrorism operation while reaffirming its ongoing commitment to intelligence-sharing and security partnerships with Nigeria.
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