The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment deployed to Nigeria as part of efforts to fight and counter terrorism in the country.

The director of defence information, Samaila Uba, who confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, said the deployment of the U.S. soldiers who have arrived at the Bauchi Airfield followed deliberations between a Nigerian delegation and its United States counterpart during a working group engagement focused on deepening military cooperation.

“The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said. 

Mr Uba explained that the personnel are technical specialists deployed strictly in advisory and training roles, not combat operations.

He noted that all activities would be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian government and coordinated closely with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.

“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces. All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.

Mr Uba further disclosed that the Nigerian troops are expected to begin a series of joint training exercises and intelligence-sharing engagements with the advisers, focusing on improving the identification and neutralisation of extremist groups operating across the country.

He, however, reiterated the military’s commitment to defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and security, while assuring citizens of transparency and timely updates on the cooperation.

“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens,” he added.

The deployment comes amid months of heightened diplomatic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly lampooned the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu over its handling of security challenges in the country, particularly attacks on Christian communities.

Mr Trump, who has come hard on Mr Tinubu’s government over the escalating security challenges in the country, has repeatedly alleged that Christian populations have suffered consistent attacks, while Muslim communities have also been victims of violence in different parts of the country.

The U.S. president ordered a missile strike in Nigeria on Christmas Eve, targeting a terrorist camp in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria.

The strike drew international attention and also sparked debate about the scope of U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s internal security affairs.