The United States military has commenced specialised training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other operational skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
According to Channels Television, the training is taking place at an Operating Location in Bauchi State under a broader US–Nigeria security cooperation mission focused on improving military capability, operational readiness and long-term partner capacity.
The United States Africa Command disclosed details of the programme in a report published on Monday, August 24, 2026.
AFRICOM said 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.
Nigerian Military Selects Training Priorities
The training programme was not based on a predetermined curriculum.
Instead, United States personnel presented Nigerian military leaders with several training options based on the expertise available within the American teams.
The Nigerian authorities then selected areas considered most relevant to the operational needs of their personnel.
Captain Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, and operations officer at the Bauchi location, said the approach enabled both sides to focus on practical areas of mutual interest.
“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.
AFRICOM said the arrangement allowed the programme to draw on the capabilities of the American personnel while responding directly to priorities identified by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Nigerian Troops Receive Drone Training
Unmanned aircraft systems attracted particular interest from the Nigerian personnel participating in the programme.
Sergeant Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, trained approximately 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.
The session began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction before progressing to practical training on operating the unmanned aircraft.
Murphy introduced the Nigerian troops to the equipment, explained its controls and demonstrated how information collected by the aircraft could be incorporated into military operations.
AFRICOM said the Nigerian personnel were given the opportunity to operate the system after receiving instruction on its basic controls.
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said.
The Nigerian service members reportedly expressed interest in receiving further training on the system.
Training Targets Shared Security Challenges
The joint programme is designed to improve interoperability between Nigerian and American service members while strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces to respond to evolving security threats.
AFRICOM said the partnership includes combined training, military advising, intelligence sharing and professional exchanges.
The Command explained that although the American teams operating in Bauchi perform different functions, their activities contribute to the broader security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
The exercises also seek to develop relationships between personnel at the operational level of both armed forces.
“It helps build relationships between soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” Feingold said.
American and Nigerian personnel also participate in recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball, when operational responsibilities and weather conditions permit.
Additional Training Opportunities Planned
AFRICOM said both countries were developing additional training opportunities at the Bauchi location as they continued to identify areas where personnel could exchange expertise.
The latest engagement follows the withdrawal of most American troops temporarily deployed for a specific joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria.
AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin Anderson said in July that the temporary deployment had ended, but intelligence sharing and broader security cooperation with Nigeria would continue.
The temporary counterterrorism deployment was separate from approximately 200 non-combat American personnel earlier deployed to Nigeria for training and technical assistance.
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