- U.S. Military Presence in Nigeria Based on Bilateral Partnership – DHQ
- Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security relationship with the United States – DHQ
- Discussions at the meeting included proposals to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination, and enhance accountability in joint efforts
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified reports and public speculation surrounding the presence of United States troops in Nigeria, explaining that any engagement is based on mutual agreements between both countries and carried out within Nigeria’s legal and constitutional framework.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General S. Uba, reassured Nigerians that the country’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven, and respectful of national sovereignty.
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According to the DHQ, Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security relationship with the United States, focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue. The collaboration, the military said, is aimed at addressing shared security challenges such as terrorism and transnational threats, without compromising Nigeria’s independence.
The statement stressed that all engagements with foreign partners are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and within established bilateral agreements.
As part of this partnership, the DHQ disclosed that a 2-day high-level Working Group meeting was recently held in Abuja, bringing together senior U.S. officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States and was described as evidence of a mature and trust-based relationship focused on practical security outcomes.
Discussions at the meeting included proposals to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination, and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while prioritising the protection of civilians and community safety. The DHQ noted that these proposals are still being reviewed by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Reaffirming its position, the Defence Headquarters stated that all international military engagements are guided strictly by Nigeria’s national interest, measurable results, and the continued protection of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
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