The United States military has commenced specialised training for Nigerian forces in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
The training is being conducted at an Operating Location in Bauchi State under a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission, according to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
AFRICOM said the programme is aimed at improving the military’s operational readiness, capabilities and long-term capacity to respond to security threats.
The training covers Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
According to AFRICOM, the training areas were selected from options provided by US personnel based on their expertise and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi, said Nigerian military leaders were given several options before selecting the areas they considered most useful.
“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.
Nigerian forces receive drone training
AFRICOM said unmanned aircraft systems attracted particular interest from the Nigerian forces.
Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, trained about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment on the systems.
The UAS training began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction before moving to practical sessions on operating the aircraft.
Murphy also trained the Nigerian personnel on deploying the systems and using intelligence gathered through them to support military operations.
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said.
He added that the Nigerian personnel expressed interest in receiving further training on the systems.
US, Nigeria strengthen military ties
AFRICOM said the joint exercises are not limited to technical and operational skills but are also designed to improve cooperation and interoperability between American and Nigerian service members.
Feingold said the engagement was particularly useful for building relationships between personnel at the lower levels of both forces.
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.
US and Nigerian personnel also take part in recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball, when operational commitments and weather conditions allow.
AFRICOM said both countries are working on additional training opportunities at OL Bauchi as they continue to identify areas for exchanging expertise and strengthening military capabilities.
The latest training comes weeks after AFRICOM disclosed in July that the US had withdrawn most of the troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation.
Despite the withdrawal, the US has maintained intelligence-sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria.
