By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, emphasizing that all engagements with the U.S. are conducted in strict respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In an official signed statement, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, stated that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States, grounded in mutual respect and focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue to address 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,” Major General Uba emphasized.
The clarification follows a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement, which brought together senior U.S. government officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The meeting, building on earlier interactions in the United States, reflected a mature, trust-based partnership focused on practical, measurable outcomes.
During the sessions, discussions centred on proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety. These proposals are currently under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that all engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes, and the protection of Nigeria’s 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,” the statement concluded.
