DHQ Clarifies Role of US Military Forces, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Sovereignty
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday confirmed the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria but clarified that the deployment is strictly advisory and not for combat operations.
The clarification followed reports that the United States had dispatched a “small team” of troops to Nigeria after recent security engagements between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, explained that Nigeria and the United States maintain a long-standing and well-structured security partnership guided by established bilateral frameworks.
According to him, the cooperation focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue, with the overarching goal of addressing shared security challenges such as terrorism and transnational organised crime.
“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” the statement read.
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Uba noted that the clarification became necessary following a recent two-day high-level US–Nigeria working group meeting held in Abuja at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries and built on earlier discussions previously held in the United States.
He explained that the discussions centred on practical measures to enhance coordination, including proposals aimed at strengthening existing cooperation mechanisms, improving accountability in joint counter-terrorism efforts, and reinforcing safeguards for civilian protection and community safety.
However, the DHQ stressed that these proposals are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities and have not received formal approval.
Reiterating Nigeria’s position, Uba said all defence partnerships entered into by the country are guided strictly by national interest, clearly defined outcomes, and unwavering respect for sovereignty.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible international partners in ways that enhance Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence,” he said.
By PRNigeria
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