DHQ Denies Deployment of US Troops in Nigeria

Pat Stevens/

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports and public speculation suggesting that United States troops have been deployed in Nigeria.

It reaffirmed that all security engagements with Washington remain within established bilateral frameworks and fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said it had observed recent media reports implying the presence of US forces on Nigerian soil, stressing that such claims were misleading.

According to the statement, Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States, focused primarily on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at tackling shared security challenges, including terrorism and transnational threats.

“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” the Defence Headquarters said.

The military explained that the latest speculation may have been linked to a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement involving senior US government officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

The meeting followed earlier engagements held in the United States and was described as part of a mature, trust-based relationship between both countries.

According to the DHQ, discussions during the engagement 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.

The proposals, it said, are still under consideration by the relevant Nigerian authorities.

The clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity over foreign military involvement, following years of insurgency and banditry in parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West.

Nigeria has relied on international partnerships for training, intelligence support and equipment, while repeatedly maintaining that combat operations remain under Nigerian command.

The Defence Headquarters emphasised that all engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Reassuring the public, the military said Nigeria’s 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,” the statement added.