Twenty-five officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service on Thursday completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces.

The exercise is part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Nigerian military that provides opportunities for the Nigerian military and U.S. elite units to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen their relationships, the United States Mission in Nigeria said in a statement.

During the training, the American military trainers and the Nigerian Navyspecial operations forces trained together on a broad range of land-based skills and tactics, such as countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Delivering remarks during the JCET closing ceremony in Lagos, Acting U.S. Consulate Political and Economic Chief Merrica Heaton 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.

According to her, 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.

An officer of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (left) during the five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces.

According to the U.S. Mission, the magnitude of this year’s engagements demonstrates 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 programmes in Nigeria beyond pre-COVID levels.

These engagements build on a longstanding security partnership, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, the statement added.

Nigeria participates in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises with the United States, including African Lion, Flintlock, and Obangame Express.

The U.S. and Nigeria cooperate on maritime security, military professionalisation including human rights, counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, defense trade, and strengthening governance. (Channels TV)

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