The defence headquarters (DHQ) has responded to media reports and public speculation suggesting the deployment or presence of United States troops in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the US reportedly dispatched a “small team” of troops to Nigeria following recent security cooperation between both countries.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Samaila Uba, director of defence information, clarified that Nigeria and the US maintain a long-standing, structured security partnership built on mutual respect.
He said the cooperation centres on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue — all aimed at tackling shared threats 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 reads.
The clarification follows a recent two-day high-level US-Nigeria working group meeting held in Abuja at the office of the Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), which brought together senior US officials and their Nigerian counterparts.
The session built on earlier discussions in the US between representatives of the two countries and focused on practical ways to strengthen coordination.
Among the issues discussed were proposals to improve existing cooperation mechanisms, enhance accountability in joint counter-terrorism operations, and strengthen safeguards for civilian protection and community safety
The director of defence information said these proposals remain under consideration by relevant Nigerian authorities and have not been approved.
He reiterated that all of Nigeria’s defence partnerships, including those with international partners, are guided by national interest, measurable outcomes, and strict respect for sovereignty.
“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,” he said.