The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed widespread speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria, clarifying that the country’s engagement with the U.S. remains strictly within established bilateral security cooperation frameworks.
In a statement issued on February 5, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said recent media reports and public commentary had misrepresented the nature of Nigeria’s defence relationship with the United States.
According to him, Nigeria maintains a long-standing, structured and mutually respectful security partnership with the U.S., focused primarily on strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual respect and focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue,” Uba said.
He stressed that the cooperation is aimed at addressing shared security challenges, including terrorism and transnational threats, and is conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and existing bilateral agreements.
“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” the DHQ spokesperson added.
Recent Engagements Explained
Uba explained that the speculation followed a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting involving senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
He noted that the engagement was part of an ongoing series of consultations, including earlier meetings held in the United States, reflecting what he described as a mature and trust-based relationship between both countries.
“The meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflects a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes,” he said.
According to the DHQ, discussions during the engagements centred on proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while prioritising the protection of civilians and community safety.
Uba disclosed that the proposals arising from the discussions are still under review by the relevant Nigerian authorities.
Sovereignty Remains Paramount
Reassuring Nigerians, the Defence Headquarters emphasised that all international defence engagements are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Uba stated.
He further assured that Nigeria’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and fully aligned with constitutional provisions, dismissing fears that any foreign military presence could undermine national independence.
“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.
