The United States is strengthening its military partnership with Nigeria by providing training on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to Nigerian forces.
The latest training was conducted at Operating Location Bauchi, where US military personnel trained members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment on how to operate and use drones.
According to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the training included classroom instruction followed by practical, hands-on exercises. About 10 Nigerian personnel participated in the session, which was led by US Army Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst with the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
Murphy first explained the drone system and its basic controls before allowing the Nigerian personnel to operate the aircraft themselves. The training also covered how information gathered by unmanned aircraft can be incorporated into military operations.
The drone training is part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation programme covering combat lifesaving and tactical casualty care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, and small-unit tactics.
The two countries have also organised recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball, as part of their engagement, while AFRICOM said additional training opportunities are being developed in Bauchi.
Nigeria’s Growing Military Cooperation with the US
The latest training comes amid increasing US military engagement with Nigeria and other African countries.
During the African Lion 26 multinational military exercise in May, which took place in Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, more than 20 personnel from four countries participated in a drone-focused programme in Morocco. The programme concentrated on small unmanned aircraft systems and counter-drone capabilities.
Nigeria was among the African countries involved in the programme, making the latest training in Bauchi part of a wider US effort to improve African military capabilities involving unmanned systems.
The US has also expanded security cooperation with several African countries through military exercises, intelligence sharing, professional exchanges and specialised training.
In March, the US deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and about 200 American troops to Nigeria, increasing Washington's intelligence and training support for Nigeria's fight against Islamist militants.
The cooperation has become particularly important as Nigeria continues to face threats from ISIS-linked militants and other armed groups.
In May, AFRICOM said it conducted operations against ISIS targets in northeastern Nigeria in coordination with the Nigerian government. The command said a May 16 operation killed a senior ISIS figure, followed by additional coordinated strikes the next day.
The expanding US-Nigeria relationship now covers military training, intelligence sharing, operational cooperation and specialised technologies such as unmanned aerial systems.
AFRICOM said further training opportunities are being developed at Operating Location Bauchi as the two countries continue to identify areas for joint training and the exchange of military expertise.
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