U.S. Army Special Forces Train Nigerian Navy On IEDs

   

   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.