By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports making the rounds of alleging the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, describing such claims as misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba in Abuja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) clarified that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States, rooted in 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 such as terrorism and other transnational threats. It stressed that all engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The military authorities explained that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting involving senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflects what the AFN described as a mature and trust-based relationship focused on practical security outcomes.
Discussions during the engagements, the statement 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 are currently under review by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that Nigeria’s engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of the country’s sovereignty.
Reassuring the public, the DHQ stated that Nigeria’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and in line with constitutional provisions, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity without compromising national independence.
