The Defence Headquarters ,DHQ, on Monday dismissed media reports and public speculation suggesting that United States troops have been deployed or are operating in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the military said Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States, but stressed that the relationship does not amount to the stationing of foreign troops on Nigerian soil.
According to the DHQ, the cooperation between both countries is built on mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at tackling terrorism and other transnational threats.
The statement added that all engagements with the US and other partners are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and within existing bilateral frameworks.
The DHQ explained that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, involving senior US officials and their Nigerian counterparts, was part of ongoing consultations to strengthen cooperation. It said the meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflected a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.
It noted that discussions at the meeting included proposals to improve coordination, strengthen accountability and enhance joint efforts to counter violent threats while protecting civilians and communities. The military, however, said the proposals are still being studied by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Reassuring Nigerians, the DHQ said defence partnerships are guided strictly by national interest, transparency and constitutional provisions.
“The 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,” the statement said.
