Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service officers completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange (JCET) training alongside a U.S. Army Special Forces team to build their skills in combating the insurgency in the country.
The U.S. Consulate announced the completion of the training exercise in a statement sent to TheCable on Friday.
Throughout JCET, U.S. military trainers and Nigerian Navy special operations forces trained together on a wide range of land skills and tactics, such as countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The exercise is part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Nigerian military that provide the Nigerian military and elite U.S. units the opportunity to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships.
At the JCET closing ceremony in Lagos, Merrica Heaton, acting political and economic chief of the US consulate, said the US government is working closely with the Nigerian military services to provide technical assistance equipment and opportunities exchange and vocational training.
She said JCET was part of a close and ongoing military partnership between the United States and Nigeria, spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.
“The United States mission in Nigeria is a steadfast partner – helping to combat maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, counter violent extremists in the northeast, and uphold the rule of law across the country. region, ”Heaton said.
“The scale of this summer’s commitments demonstrates the strategic importance of the US-Nigeria bilateral relationship: US delivers A-29 SUPER TUCANO in 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. These commitments are based on a long-standing security partnership, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. “
The United States and Nigeria cooperate on maritime security, military professionalization, human rights, counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, defense trade and strengthening governance.
