By Our Correspondent Reportcircle News
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Wednesday moved to shut down growing speculation over an alleged presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, insisting that no foreign forces are operating in the country outside established bilateral security frameworks.
The clarification followed a wave of media reports and public commentary suggesting that American troops may have been deployed on Nigerian soil amid rising security challenges.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the reports as misleading, stressing that Nigeria’s engagement with the United States remains a structured security partnership, not a foreign military deployment.
According to the military, cooperation between both countries spans capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue, all geared toward tackling terrorism and transnational security threats.
The DHQ emphasised that every aspect of the partnership is conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and within clearly defined bilateral agreements.
“All engagements are carried out in line with existing frameworks and mutual respect,” the military said.
The clarification also addressed recent diplomatic and security engagements that may have fuelled the speculation.
Defence authorities confirmed that a two-day high-level Working Group meeting recently took place in Abuja, bringing together senior United States government officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The meeting, the DHQ explained, was a continuation of earlier engagements held in the United States and reflects what it described as a mature, trust-based security relationship between both countries.
Discussions during the engagements focused on proposals aimed at:
Strengthening existing cooperation mechanisms
Improving coordination between both countries
Enhancing accountability in joint counter-terrorism efforts
Ensuring protection of civilians and community safety
The military noted that these proposals are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities and have not translated into any form of troop deployment.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that Nigeria’s engagement with international partners is strictly guided by national interest, measurable security outcomes and the protection of the country’s independence.
“Nigeria’s sovereignty is not compromised in any form,” the statement said.
The military reassured citizens that all defence partnerships entered into by the Federal Government are transparent, policy-driven and consistent with constitutional provisions.
It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully in control of national defence operations and are committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity while collaborating with credible partners to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The statement concluded with a firm assurance that Nigeria’s security cooperation with foreign partners will continue to be pursued without surrendering command authority or national independence.
For the military, the message was unmistakable: cooperation yes, foreign boots no.
