By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) clarified that Nigeria maintains a long-standing, structured security partnership with the United States, anchored on mutual respect and clearly defined bilateral frameworks.
According to the DHQ, the partnership focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security challenges, including terrorism and other transnational threats. It stressed that all engagements are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The statement explained that, as part of the ongoing cooperation, a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, involving senior officials from both countries. The engagement followed earlier meetings in the United States and reflected a mature, trust-based relationship focused on achieving practical security outcomes.
Discussions during the engagements, the DHQ noted, included proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety. These proposals, it added, are still under consideration by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters emphasised that Nigeria’s engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of the country’s sovereignty.
Reassuring Nigerians, the DHQ stated that all defence partnerships entered into by the country are transparent, policy-driven and in line with constitutional provisions. It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible partners in ways that strengthen the national security architecture without compromising Nigeria’s independence.
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