The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has addressed public concerns and media reports surrounding the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria, explaining that such engagements are anchored on a formal and mutually agreed security partnership between both countries.
The clarification was contained in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General S. Uba, and made available to defence correspondents.
According to the DHQ, Nigeria’s defence collaborations with foreign partners, including the United States, are conducted openly and within the bounds of the law, stressing that national sovereignty remains fully protected.
The military authorities assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) continue to prioritise the defence of the country’s territorial integrity while engaging with trusted international partners in ways that reinforce national security without undermining independence.
The statement read: “The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States. This cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.
“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks.”
Providing further insight, the DHQ disclosed that recent interactions between both countries formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and improve operational effectiveness.
“As part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States, reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.”
Major General Uba added that discussions at the meeting explored proposals aimed at improving coordination, accountability and joint responses to security threats, while prioritising civilian protection.
“Discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety. The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.”
The DHQ emphasised that Nigeria’s engagement with international partners is always guided by clear national objectives.
“Engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
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