Military denies U.S. troops’ presence amid speculation.
Abuja: The Defence Headquarters has issued a clarification on Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States, following recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence of American troops in the country.
Officials stressed that cooperation remains focused on training, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises, not the deployment of foreign combat forces on Nigerian soil. The statement aims to dispel rumours and reinforce Nigeria’s sovereignty in managing its defence partnerships.
The clarification was made in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Thursday in Abuja.
Uba explained that the Nigeria–U.S. partnership was long-standing, structured and focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue.
He stressed that all engagements under the partnership were conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in strict compliance with existing bilateral frameworks.
The defence spokesman explained that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting involving senior U.S. government officials and Nigerian counterparts held at the Office of the National Security Adviser was part of ongoing cooperation.
This, according to him, followed earlier engagements in the United States.
According to Uba, discussions at the meeting centred on proposals were aimed at strengthening cooperation mechanisms, improving coordination and enhancing accountability in joint efforts to counter terrorism and other transnational threats, while prioritising the protection of civilians and community safety.
He added that the proposals were still being reviewed by the relevant Nigerian authorities.
The defence spokesman reassured Nigerians that the country’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions.
He added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity without compromising national independence.
