The Defence Headquarters has reassured Nigerians that ongoing collaboration with the United States military will soon produce tangible improvements in the nation’s security landscape. On February 16, 2026, the DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
The high command emphasized that the visiting personnel are strictly providing technical assistance, training, and advisory support in counter-terrorism operations, and are not engaged in combat roles. Despite their deployment, insecurity has persisted in various parts of the country, prompting questions about the immediate impact of the partnership.
Speaking during the military’s end-of-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, highlighted the significance of US support in areas such as intelligence sharing and troop training. He noted that while the effects may not be immediately visible, the collaboration is expected to yield measurable results in the coming weeks and months.
“You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality,” Maj. Gen. Onoja stated, adding that the intelligence includes the locations of threats and hostile elements, which Nigerian troops are acting upon.
He further explained, “All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations. You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks you will feel the difference in the impact in the assistance that the U.S. is providing.”
The Defence Headquarters also assured citizens of heightened security vigilance during the upcoming Easter celebrations. Maj. Gen. Onoja confirmed that armed forces personnel have been placed on alert nationwide to prevent security breaches, noting that similar measures have been successfully implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said. Emphasizing that threats often attempt to exploit holiday periods, he added, “I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax. But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter.”
