United States military forces have begun training Nigerian troops in Bauchi State, focusing on unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, and various operational skills to enhance security cooperation and partner capacity between the two nations.
A special report from the United States Africa Command revealed that the exercises at Operating Location Bauchi cover Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Combat Lifesaver instruction, camouflage, weapons familiarization, explosive ordnance disposal, water treatment and testing, 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. 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 report stated.
The training options were selected by Nigerian military leaders from a curated list offered by American forces based on available expertise and areas of interest.
Capt Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, who serves as the operations officer at OL Bauchi, explained the process: “We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them.”
Unmanned aircraft systems drew significant interest from Nigerian personnel. Sgt Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, guided approximately 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment through 45 minutes of theoretical instruction followed by practical hands-on operation and tactical deployment.
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy noted, adding that the personnel expressed interest in further training on the platform.
Beyond tactical and technical instruction, the joint initiative focuses on building rapport and operational interoperability between personnel. Service members also engage in sports like basketball and volleyball during off-duty hours when weather permits.
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” Feingold said.
According to the AFRICOM report, further training sessions are currently being planned: “Additional training opportunities are being developed at OL Bauchi as U.S. and Nigerian forces continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and train together.”
This ongoing activity follows a statement from AFRICOM in July confirming that while the US had withdrawn most troops previously deployed for a specific counterterrorism mission, it maintained its security partnership and intelligence-sharing relationship with Nigeria. The exercises in Bauchi highlight the continued bilateral effort to sustain operational readiness and mutual capabilities.
