By Deborah Nnamdi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that United States troops are present or being deployed in Nigeria, describing such claims as false and misleading.
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 mischaracterised Nigeria’s defence relationship with the United States.
Uba clarified that Nigeria’s engagement with the U.S. is limited to a long-standing and structured bilateral security partnership aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He said the cooperation focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue.
According to him, the partnership is designed to address shared security challenges such as terrorism and other 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,” Uba stated.
The DHQ spokesperson explained that the speculation followed a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting between senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. He noted that the meeting was part of an ongoing series of consultations, including earlier engagements held in the United States, reflecting a mature and trust-based relationship between both countries.
He said discussions during the engagements focused on proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while prioritising civilian protection and community safety. Uba added that the proposals arising from the talks are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Defence Headquarters stressed that all international defence engagements are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes, and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty. It also emphasised that Nigeria’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven, and fully aligned 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 concluded.
