DHQ Clarifies Speculation on the Presence of US Troops in Nigeria
Published by Sola Akingboye, 7 February 2026
The Defence Headquarters has addressed recent media speculation about the alleged presence of United States troops in Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) emphasises that Nigeria has a longstanding, structured security partnership with the United States.
The military states that this cooperation is founded on mutual respect and centres on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue to tackle shared security challenges, including terrorism and transnational threats. All interactions are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, noted in a statement that, as part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. This meeting followed previous engagements in the United States, reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.
During these discussions, proposals were made to enhance existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, and increase accountability in joint efforts to combat violent threats while ensuring the protection of civilians and community safety. These proposals are currently under review by the relevant Nigerian authorities.
Engagements with international partners are strictly guided by national interests, measurable outcomes, and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Defence Headquarters assures all citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven, and in alignment with constitutional provisions.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.
