- The Defence Headquarters says U.S. troop engagements in Nigeria follow existing bilateral agreements
- The military denies claims that foreign troops are deployed independently to fight terrorists
- The Defence Headquarters assures Nigerians that sovereignty and constitutional provisions remain protected
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that all engagements involving United States troops in Nigeria are being carried out in line with established bilateral agreements and with full respect for the country’s sovereignty.
The clarification followed viral media reports suggesting that U.S. troops were deployed on Nigerian soil to combat terrorism.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command said Nigeria has a long-standing and well-structured security partnership with the United States.
According to the DHQ, the 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.”
It added: “All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks.”
The military further explained that, as part of the ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The engagement, it noted, followed earlier meetings in the United States and reflected what it described as a mature, trust-based relationship focused on achieving practical outcomes.
The DHQ said discussions during the sessions centred on proposals to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint counter-terrorism efforts, while also prioritising civilian protection and community safety.
“The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities,” the statement said.
Reiterating its position, the military high command stressed that all engagements with foreign partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable results and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
It also reassured citizens that the country’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and consistent with constitutional provisions.
The statement concluded: “Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.”