US military trains Nigerian forces in advanced combat, drone operations

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 ongoing efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.

Led by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the training is taking place at an operating location in Bauchi State.

It is conducted under a broader US-Nigeria military partnership aimed at improving operational readiness, enhancing local capabilities and promoting greater interoperability between the two forces.

According to AFRICOM, the programme covers several areas, including Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage techniques, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.

“U.S. and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training events at Operating Location Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening partner capacity and building relationships between service members from both nations,” AFRICOM said.

The training programme was developed after Nigerian military officials identified areas where additional expertise and capacity-building would be most useful.

Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, said American personnel presented their Nigerian counterparts with several training options before allowing them to select their preferred areas.

“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.

Particular attention was given to unmanned aircraft systems, with Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, leading a practical session for about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.

The session began with classroom instruction before participants were given hands-on experience operating the aircraft.

Murphy also demonstrated how unmanned systems could be deployed and how intelligence gathered through the technology could be incorporated into military operations.

“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, noting that the Nigerian personnel also expressed interest in receiving further training on the systems.

Beyond technical instruction, AFRICOM said the joint exercises were designed to strengthen working relationships between American and Nigerian personnel, particularly at lower operational levels.

Feingold described the interaction as an important part of the partnership, saying, “It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels.”

The military engagement also includes informal activities such as basketball and volleyball when operational duties and weather conditions allow, providing additional opportunities for personnel from both countries to interact.

AFRICOM said further training activities are being developed at the Bauchi location as the United States and Nigeria continue to identify areas for knowledge-sharing and capacity development.