US military begins long-awaited training of Nigerian troops at School of Infantry in Jaji

AMERICAN military officers have commenced the training of men of Nigerian Army in anti-terrorist tactics at the School of Infantry facility in Jaji as part of a long term programme to cooperate in the fight against Boko Haram.

 

Following the abduction of the Chibok girls in April 2014, the US pledged to assist Nigeria with her fight against terrorism, which included intelligence, the provision of equipment and military training. Under the first phase of the training programme, 750 Nigerian troops selected from various units of the Nigerian Army battling Boko Haram are being trained at Jaji.

 

US ambassador to Nigeria, ‎James Entwistle, emphasised the need for other nations to join Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. Speaking at the inauguration‎ ceremony of the 145 Battalion to the training programme in Jaji, he said it was a right step and the best approach to addressing the prolonged Boko Haram attacks across north-eastern Nigeria.

 

‎Mr Entwistle added: "The Nigeria-US partnership extends beyond immediate gains, as we need to work together to rebuild the northeast. We are two great democracies and we do many great things together.”

 

Chief of defence staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin‎, said: “The excellent relationship has led to several joint initiatives one of which is the commitment of the United States and her military to assist Nigeria in professionalising our security forces. Let me add that the training being conducted for this battalion and indeed other support that the armed forces of Nigeria will be getting from the United States as our strategic partnership, will be better put to use.

 

“This is the only way to justify the enormous efforts and resources committed by both the Nigerian and American governments in organising and implementing this training programme.”

 

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff, urged the soldiers to work hard towards achieving the goals of the training. He added that he is confident the US training team will give the troops the highest quality of instructions.