The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, describing such claims as misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ clarified that Nigeria maintains a long-standing, structured and transparent security partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual respect and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, the cooperation between the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the United States is focused primarily on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security challenges such as terrorism and transnational threats. All engagements, the DHQ stressed, are conducted strictly within existing bilateral frameworks and in full respect of Nigeria’s national independence.
The clarification follows a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement involving senior officials from the United States and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The meeting, the DHQ noted, was part of a series of ongoing engagements, including earlier consultations held in the United States, reflecting a mature and trust-based defence relationship.
Discussions during the engagements focused on proposals to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, enhance coordination and improve accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety. The DHQ explained that these proposals are currently under consideration by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position, the Defence Headquarters emphasised that all defence engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and unwavering respect for the country’s sovereignty.
The DHQ further reassured Nigerians that all defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and fully aligned with constitutional provisions. It reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible international partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence
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