The Defence Headquarters 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 by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria clarified that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and well-structured security partnership with the United States, anchored on mutual respect and clearly defined bilateral frameworks.
According to the statement, the partnership focuses 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. It stressed that all engagements are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement was held between senior officials of the United States government and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The meeting followed earlier engagements held in the United States and reflects a mature, trust-based relationship focused on achieving practical security outcomes.
Discussions during the engagements, the statement noted, included proposals to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while prioritising the protection of civilians and community safety. These proposals are currently under consideration by relevant Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters emphasised that all international defence engagements are guided strictly by Nigeria’s national interest, measurable outcomes and the preservation of national sovereignty.
Reassuring the public, the Defence Headquarters stated that Nigeria’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and in line with constitutional provisions, affirming the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible partners to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising its independence.
