Twenty five officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service have completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces.
In a statement, the US Consulate Lagos says, throughout the JCET, the American military trainers and the Nigerian Navy special operations forces trained together on a broad range of land-based skills and tactics, such as countering improvised explosive devises (IEDs).
The exercise is part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Nigerian military that provide opportunities for Nigerian military and U.S. elite units to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships.
Acting U.S. Consulate Political and Economic Chief Merrica Heaton in her remarks at the closing ceremony of the training held at Lagos noted that the JCET is part of a close and continuous military partnership between the United States and Nigeria spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.
“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.
The magnitude of this summer’s engagements demonstrate the strategic importance of the United States-Nigeria bilateral relationship: the U.S. is delivering A-29 SUPER TUCANOs as part of the largest defense sale to an African country; the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps are scheduled for extensive programs in Nigeria beyond pre-COVID levels.
Nigeria participates in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises with the United States, including African Lion, Flintlock, and Obangame Express.
Nosa Aituamen, Radio Nigeria
