The United States military has launched a specialized training program for Nigerian troops at an operating location in Bauchi State, focusing on unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, and tactical skills to strengthen security cooperation and operational readiness between both nations.
Joint Training Scope at Operating Location Bauchi
The comprehensive training engagement brings together United States and Nigerian military personnel at Operating Location Bauchi. According to a report released by the United States Africa Command on Monday, the exercises covered a wide range of essential battlefield and support capabilities.
The report read: “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. Training conducted between U.S. and Nigerian forces at Bauchi has included Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft system training.” The United States military has commenced specialised training as part of an ongoing mission to improve military capability, operational readiness, and long-term partner capacity.
Tailored Curriculum and Nigerian Leadership Selection
Rather than imposing a rigid template, United States units structured the program by offering a menu of options and letting their Nigerian counterparts choose the most relevant disciplines. US and Nigerian military forces have strengthened their security partnership through this collaborative approach, ensuring that every session addresses practical operational needs.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi, said Nigerian leadership was given a range of training options from which it selected areas considered most beneficial.
We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them, Feingold said
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, logistics officer assigned to the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi
Hands-On Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training
Among all the disciplines offered, unmanned aircraft systems generated the highest level of enthusiasm. The training areas were selected from options provided by US personnel based on their expertise and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.
Unmanned aircraft systems attracted particular interest from the Nigerian forces, with Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, training about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.
The UAS session began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction, followed by practical training in operating the aircraft. Murphy also instructed the Nigerian personnel on how to deploy the systems and incorporate intelligence gathered through them into military operations.
Sgt. Mark Murphy, intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
Murphy noted that the participants quickly grasped the basic controls and were enthusiastic about gaining practical experience with the system. They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,
he said, adding that they were also interested in further training.
Interoperability, Relationships, and Informal Engagement
Beyond formal tactical drills, the deployment is designed to foster professional trust and closer working relationships between service members from both nations. The United States has intensified military training for Nigerian troops in Bauchi State to ensure that security cooperation extends through joint training activities aimed at sharing expertise, improving operational capabilities, and building stronger ties between personnel.
Capt. Gabriel Feingold, operations officer at OL Bauchi
Broader Security Framework and Future Outlook
The expanded footprint at Bauchi forms part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission focused on improving military capability, operational readiness, and long-term partner capacity. The United States Africa Command has revealed that US forces have commended the training of Nigerian troops as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
As military leaders continue to identify fresh areas for exchanging expertise, the ongoing exercises highlight a sustained commitment to building partner capacity and improving joint military readiness in the region.
