The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the recent deployment of specialist personnel by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, was conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and within the framework of existing bilateral agreements between both nations.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, titled “Clarification on Speculations Regarding the Presence of US Troops in Nigeria.”
According to the statement, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, acknowledged recent media reports and public speculation concerning the presence of US troops in the country. The Defence Headquarters emphasized that Nigeria maintains a long standing and structured security partnership with the United States, anchored on mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
The cooperation, it explained, focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing common security challenges, including terrorism and transnational threats. All engagements, the statement stressed, are carried out with strict adherence to Nigeria’s sovereignty and established bilateral frameworks.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that a recent two day high level Working Group meeting was held between senior US officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The engagement followed earlier discussions in the United States and underscored what it described as a mature and trust based relationship centered on practical outcomes.
Proposals to strengthen coordination, improve accountability and enhance joint efforts against violent threats, while prioritizing civilian protection, were discussed and are currently under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Reassuring the public, the Defence Headquarters stated that all defence partnerships are transparent, policy driven and aligned with constitutional provisions. It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible international partners without compromising national independence.
