The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment in Nigeria to support capacity-building initiatives for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
In a statement issued on Monday, February 16, 2026, military authorities explained that the trainers landed at the Bauchi Airfield under a bilateral defence cooperation agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.
The deployment follows a formal request by the Nigerian Government and was agreed upon during a joint working group session between officials of both countries.
The engagement focused on addressing specific training requirements, technical support needs, and intelligence-sharing gaps within the Nigerian military.
The DHQ emphasised that the visiting US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles. They will not participate in combat operations.
“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with national military leadership,” the statement read.
The collaboration is expected to provide Nigerian troops with specialised technical capabilities to strengthen their ability to deter terrorist threats, neutralise extremist groups, and enhance protection for vulnerable communities nationwide.
Joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives will begin immediately.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to degrading and ultimately defeating terrorist organisations that threaten the country’s sovereignty and national security.
It also assured citizens of full transparency in the process and pledged to provide clear, accurate, and timely updates on the ongoing military cooperation.
