Nigeria’s military said on Thursday that its security partnership with the United States is focused on capacity building, intelligence sharing and logistics support, following public speculation that U.S. troops had been deployed to the country.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said cooperation with Washington operates within existing bilateral frameworks and respects Nigeria’s sovereignty, adding that there is no change to the long-standing nature of the relationship.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States,” said Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information. “This cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue.”
The clarification followed comments earlier this week by the head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who said during a virtual briefing that a “small U.S. team” with specialized capabilities was working with Nigerian counterparts to enhance regional security efforts.
“I was able to meet President Bola Tinubu, and we agreed we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said, adding that the collaboration builds on years of cooperation.
Reportedly Nigeria’s Defence Minister, retired General Christopher Musa, confirmed the presence of a U.S. team in the country.
Uba said recent engagements included a two-day high-level working group meeting in Abuja involving senior Nigerian and U.S. officials, following earlier talks held in the United States. The meetings, he said, were aimed at improving coordination, accountability and effectiveness in countering violent threats, while ensuring civilian protection.
“Discussions included proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter terrorism and transnational threats,” Uba said, noting that the proposals remain under review by Nigerian authorities.
He stressed that all defence partnerships are guided by Nigeria’s national interest and constitutional provisions.
“The Defence Headquarters reassures citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with national sovereignty,” he said, adding that the military remains committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity while working with “credible partners.”
