The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that United States troops have been deployed to Nigeria, describing such claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Thursday, clarified that Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States does not involve the deployment or stationing of foreign troops on Nigerian soil.
TheFact Daily notes reports of US deployment of boots on the ground in Nigeria which has been grappling with terror attacks, and that the Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) had confirmed that the ‘team’( of soldiers) was working in the country.
Uba explained that Nigeria and the United States have, for decades, maintained a structured defence partnership focused on capacity building and support rather than combat deployment and noted that the collaboration has largely centred on professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics assistance, counter-terrorism training and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security challenges such as terrorism and other transnational threats.
According to him, all engagements with the United States are conducted within clearly defined bilateral frameworks and in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“All engagements are carried out with due regard to Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral agreements,” he said.
Providing further background, Uba disclosed that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting involving senior US government officials and their Nigerian counterparts was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He said the meeting was part of an ongoing series of engagements, following earlier discussions held in the United States.
He added that deliberations at the meeting focused on proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, enhance accountability and support joint efforts to counter violent threats, while prioritising the protection of civilians and community safety. The proposals, he said, are currently under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that Nigeria’s engagement with international partners is guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of the country’s sovereignty. It assured Nigerians that all defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and consistent with 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,” Uba stated.
