By Ola Kay

Nigeria’s defence system is set to upscale its combat readiness as the United States military commenced specialised training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills in an effort to improve security cooperation between the two countries.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said that the training, which is being conducted at an Operating Location in Bauchi State under a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission. is focused on improving military capability, operational readiness and the long-term capacity of Nigerian security forces.

AFRICOM disclosed that the training extends to Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.

According to AFRICOM, the training areas were selected from options provided by US personnel based on their expertise and the needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.

Capt. Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi, stated that Nigerian military leadership was given several training options and selected those considered most beneficial.

Feingold said: “We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them.”

AFRICOM said 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.

Further reports added that the UAS training began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction, followed by practical sessions on operating the aircraft. Murphy also trained the Nigerian personnel on deploying the systems and incorporating intelligence gathered through them into military operations.

“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 additional training on the systems.

Apart from technical and operational skills, AFRICOM stressed that the joint exercises were tailored to improve ties and interoperability between American and Nigerian service members.

Capt. Feingold said the exercise was particularly useful in fostering relationships between personnel at the lower levels of both forces.

“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.

The report added that US and Nigerian personnel also participated in recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball.

AFRICOM said the two countries were developing additional training opportunities at OL Bauchi as they continue to identify areas for exchanging expertise and improving military capabilities.

The current training session comes weeks after AFRICOM revealed in July that the Unite States had withdrawn most of the troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation, but continues to maintaining intelligence-sharing and security cooperation with the country.