United States forces have commenced training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
The training took place at Operating Location Bauchi in Bauchi State and formed part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission focused on improving military capability, readiness and partner capacity.
According to the United States Africa Command, 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.
The training areas were selected based on expertise available among US forces and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.
The unmanned aircraft training generated particular interest among 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 the session.
The participants received both classroom instruction and hands-on training in operating unmanned aircraft and using information gathered from the systems during military operations.
The US report said the exercises also helped American and Nigerian service members build relationships and improve interoperability.
Capt Gabriel Feingold, the operations officer at OL Bauchi, said the interaction was particularly valuable at lower levels of both forces.
Additional training opportunities are reportedly being developed as the two countries continue to identify areas where they can share expertise and strengthen military capabilities.
The development follows AFRICOM’s disclosure in July that the US had withdrawn most troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation while maintaining an intelligence-sharing and security partnership with the country.
