United States forces have begun training their Nigerian counterparts in unmanned aircraft operations and the treatment of wounded soldiers on the battlefield, as part of the growing security partnership between the two countries.
In a statement published on its website, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the training is being conducted in Bauchi State, northeastern Nigeria, with a focus on ensuring that Nigerian troops remain operationally ready and improve their effectiveness in the field.
According to AFRICOM, the training covers unmanned aircraft operations, weapons handling, explosive ordnance disposal, casualty care and small-unit combat tactics.
“The United States and Nigeria are conducting a training engagement at a military training facility in Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing expertise, strengthening partners and deepening the relationship between the two sides,” AFRICOM said.
The training comes after the United States announced in July that it would withdraw most of the troops it had deployed to Nigeria for a special counterterrorism mission. However, both countries have continued to strengthen their cooperation through intelligence and security information sharing.
The security partnership between the United States and Nigeria took a new turn in late 2025 after U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria and pressed the Nigerian authorities to take stronger action to address the country’s security challenges.