The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States is centred on capacity building, intelligence sharing, professional military education, logistics support, and strategic security dialogue, not the deployment of foreign troops.
The clarification follows widespread media reports suggesting that the United States had deployed troops to Nigeria, sparking public speculation.
Speaking during a virtual briefing on Tuesday, the head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, disclosed that he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss regional security challenges and enhanced cooperation.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We shared thoughts and agreed on the need to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said.
“This has led to increased collaboration, including a small U.S. team with unique capabilities to support what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
Reuters also quoted the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as confirming the presence of a U.S. team in the country.
Reacting to the reports, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, stressed that all engagements with the United States are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and strictly within existing bilateral defence frameworks.
In a statement, Uba said the Armed Forces of Nigeria maintain a long-standing, structured security partnership with the U.S., focused on addressing terrorism, insurgency, and transnational security threats.
“This cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue,” the statement read.
“All engagements are carried out in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with established bilateral agreements.”
The DHQ further disclosed that a two-day high-level Nigeria–US Security Working Group meeting was recently held in Abuja, bringing together senior officials from both countries to strengthen coordination and accountability in joint counter-terrorism efforts.
According to Uba, the meeting—hosted at the Office of the National Security Adviser—followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflects a mature, trust-based defence relationship focused on practical and measurable outcomes.
Discussions included proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation mechanisms, improving intelligence coordination, strengthening accountability, and ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety. These proposals, he noted, are currently under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters reassured Nigerians that all international military partnerships are guided by national interest, transparency, constitutional provisions, and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s security while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence,” the statement concluded.
