The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Thursday confirmed the presence of United States (U.S.) troops in Nigeria but dismissed suggestions of combat deployment.
Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, while reacting to reports that raised concerns about the U.S. forces deployment, said the cooperation was aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.
It clarified that the American personnel are not engaged in ground operations or combat roles, stressing that their presence is limited to capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue with Nigerian forces.
Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, during a virtual press briefing with African journalists, said the deployment of American forces in Nigeria is bringing “some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years.”
Anderson noted: “I was able to go to the Aqaba Process in Rome last – late last year that was hosted by the prime minister of Italy and the king of Jordan, focused specifically on the terrorist threat in West Africa. And at that meeting, 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.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years. And I think we’ve had some really good, positive movement there. My deputy was just there with a high-level delegation from State Department led by Allison Hooker, in order to look at how we can continue to move forward together.”
General Anderson added: “Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a very willing and capable partner who requested the unique capabilities that only the U.S. can bring – with some of the ISR, some of the intelligence fusion – to bring that to bear together.
“And when we do that, we are much more effective to counter these threats. And being able to counter these threats together, I think, has been – is critical to our future. And so while there are many nations that are concerned with this, when we can find a capable, willing partner to work with and we can fuse the unique capabilities that U.S. brings, we have seen success in addressing these threats.”
But Defence Spokesperson, General Uba said that ‘Nigeria’s sovereignty remains intact,’ noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and by extension, Nigeria, maintained a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.
While allaying fears of stakeholders and other Nigerians, the senior military officer explained that Nigeria’s cooperation with the US was rooted in mutual respect.
According to him, all engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks.
The statement by Uba said: “The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.
“This cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.
“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks.
“As part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and the Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States, reflecting a mature, trustbased relationship focused on practical outcomes.
“Discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety.
“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.
“The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities,” the senior military officer made the clarifications in a statement.
General Uba further explained that engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He insisted that the military would continue to remain committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Uba added, “The Defence Headquarters reassures all citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned 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.”
Responding to the Nigerians’ concerns earlier, the Defence minister, Christopher Musa, explained that the American personnel are not combat troops but a small advisory team supporting intelligence gathering and capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian security forces.
In an interview with the BBC, Musa said the deployment forms part of long-standing bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and insurgency, particularly in areas affected by banditry and violent extremism.
He declined to disclose operational details, including the size of the team, their exact location, duration of stay, or date of arrival, citing security considerations.
“Their role is purely supportive,” the defence minister said, emphasising that Nigerian forces remain fully in charge of all operations and decisionmaking on the ground.
