The U.S. and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training exercises at the Bauchi operational site in Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, building partner capabilities, and developing relations between the militaries of both countries.
At the Bauchi operational site, the U.S. forces are supporting a broader security cooperation mission with Nigeria, aimed at strengthening joint preparedness, increasing military capabilities and developing the long-term capabilities of this partner, AFRICOM reported on Monday.
A range of tactical training through joint training, advice, intelligence sharing and professional exchanges, the forces of the two countries are collaborating to address common security challenges and improve interoperability, the U.S. Africa Command stated.
Training in Bauchi in northern Nigeria included combat first aid and tactical casualty care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, water treatment and testing, mine clearance, small unit tactics, and training on unmanned aircraft systems.
According to Captain Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer assigned to the U.S. Army Task Force in Southern Europe and Africa, U.S. units propose a list of training topics and Nigerian leaders choose those they deem most beneficial for their troops.
A strong interest in drones
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have generated particular interest among Nigerian military personnel. Sergeant Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Support Battalion, led drone training for about ten members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment, combining theoretical instruction with practical piloting exercises.
Murphy indicated that the participants quickly mastered the aircraft after basic control training and expressed their eagerness to continue this type of training in the future.
Strengthening ties between military personnel
Beyond the development of technical skills, these training programmes have fostered closer ties between U.S. and Nigerian military personnel, particularly at the lower ranks.
These relationships also extend beyond official training sessions, through joint sporting activities such as basketball and volleyball.
Other training opportunities are being developed in Bauchi, as the forces of both countries continue to identify areas where their personnel can share expertise.
AC/Sf/fss/gik/APA