ABUJA — United States forces have commenced specialized training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, and other military skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries .
The training, conducted at an operating location in Bauchi State, forms part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission aimed at enhancing military capability, readiness and long-term partner capacity, according to a report released by the United States Africa Command on Monday .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the training programme covers Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics, and unmanned aircraft systems . The training areas were selected from options provided by US personnel based on their expertise and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts .
“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,” the AFRICOM report read .
CDA News Nigeria reports that unmanned aircraft systems generated particular interest among Nigerian forces. Sergeant Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, led about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment through the training . The session began with about 45 minutes of instruction before the Nigerian personnel received hands-on training on operating the aircraft .
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, adding that the Nigerian personnel expressed interest in receiving further training on the system .
Beyond technical and operational skills, the joint exercises also created opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to build relationships and improve interoperability .
“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” said Captain Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer assigned to the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi .
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