The United States military has commenced a fresh round of specialised training for Nigerian security personnel in Bauchi as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed the development in a report published on Monday, August 24, 2026, saying the training is focused on improving the operational capabilities of Nigerian forces and strengthening cooperation between personnel from both countries.
The training is taking place at Operating Location Bauchi and covers several areas considered important for modern military operations. These include Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.
AFRICOM said the programme is designed to share military expertise, strengthen the capacity of Nigerian forces and build stronger relationships between American and Nigerian service members.
The training programme is not based on a fixed curriculum. According to Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer assigned to the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, American personnel present their areas of expertise while Nigerian counterparts identify the subjects they consider most beneficial.
One area receiving particular attention is the use of unmanned aircraft systems. AFRICOM said Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, led training for about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.
The Nigerian personnel first received classroom instruction before moving to practical exercises, where they were given an opportunity to operate the unmanned aircraft and learn how information gathered by the systems could support military operations.
The US military said the Nigerian personnel showed considerable interest in the technology and expressed a desire for additional training.
The Bauchi programme comes as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges. The latest initiative reflects Washington's continued emphasis on supporting Nigerian-led security operations through training, intelligence cooperation and specialised assistance.
AFRICOM previously disclosed that most US military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism mission had been withdrawn after the operation was completed. However, the United States maintained that its broader security cooperation with Nigeria would continue.
The US had deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism activities in the Lake Chad Basin. The deployment formed part of increased cooperation between Washington and Abuja over threats from terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria and the wider region.
Beyond military skills, the programme is also intended to improve relationships between personnel from both countries. AFRICOM said American and Nigerian service members sometimes participate in recreational activities such as basketball and volleyball when their operational schedules and weather conditions permit.
The US command said additional training opportunities are being developed at Operating Location Bauchi as both sides continue to identify areas where their personnel can share expertise and train together.
The latest development signals a continued US commitment to strengthening the capabilities of Nigerian forces as the country works to address persistent security threats.
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