DHQ Denies Deployment of US Troops in Nigeria
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ has denied reports suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, saying the claims are false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States does not include the deployment of foreign troops on Nigerian soil.
According to him, Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured defence partnership with the US, anchored on mutual respect and focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue to address shared security concerns such as terrorism and other transnational threats.
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“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” Uba said.
He disclosed that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting involving senior US government officials and their Nigerian counterparts was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, noting that the engagement followed earlier meetings in the United States.
Uba explained that discussions at the meeting included proposals aimed at strengthening existing cooperation mechanisms, improving coordination and enhancing accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety.
He added that the proposals are currently being reviewed by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that Nigeria’s engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of the country’s sovereignty.
The military assured Nigerians that all defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and consistent 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,” Uba stated.
