Twenty-five officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service have been trained alongside Special Forces of the US Army on how to deal with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as exhibiting other land-based skills and tactics.

In a statement seen by FIJ, the United States Mission to Nigeria noted that the exercise was part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Nigerian military “to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen their relationships”.

At the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) closing event in Lagos on July 12, Merrica Heaton, the Acting U.S. Consulate Political and Economic Chief, noted that the U.S. government works closely with all the services of the Nigerian military to provide technical assistance, equipment, and professional exchange and training opportunities.

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“The United States Mission to Nigeria is a steadfast partner — helping combat maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, counter violent extremists in the Northeast, and enforce the rule of law throughout the region,” Heaton said. 

For decades, Nigeria has enjoyed military partnership with the United States in a bid to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.