Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has sought to calm public speculation over reports that the United States has deployed troops to the country, insisting that the security relationship between both nations remains focused on capacity building, intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation rather than foreign military deployment.
The clarification follows comments made during a virtual briefing on Tuesday by the head of the US Africa Command (Africom), Gen Dagvin R M Anderson, who said discussions with President Bola Tinubu had led to “increased collaboration” between Washington and Abuja.
“I was able to meet President Tinubu. We were able to share some thoughts and agree that we needed to work together on a way forward in the region,” Anderson said. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, including a small US team that brings unique capabilities from the United States to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
A Reuters report later quoted Nigeria’s minister of defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd), as confirming that a US team was in the country, triggering widespread debate and renewed concern over foreign military involvement.
Responding on Wednesday, the director of defence information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, said Nigeria’s engagements with the United States were conducted within long-established bilateral arrangements and with full respect for the country’s sovereignty.
“The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria,” Uba said. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.”
He said the cooperation was centred on “capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue” aimed at tackling shared security threats such as terrorism and transnational crime.
“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” he added.
Uba pointed to a recent two-day high-level working group meeting in Abuja, involving senior US and Nigerian officials, which he said was convened to deepen coordination and strengthen accountability in joint counterterrorism efforts.
According to him, the talks—held at the office of the national security adviser – followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflected what he described as a “mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes”.
He said discussions included proposals to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint operations, while also prioritising civilian protection and community safety. The proposals, he noted, were still being reviewed by Nigerian authorities.
Uba insisted that international engagements were guided strictly by national interest and measurable outcomes, and reiterated that Nigeria’s sovereignty would not be compromised.
“The Defence Headquarters reassures all citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions,” he said. “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.”
