🇳🇬 No Foreign Troops In Nigeria, Defence Headquarters Says As US Security Talks Continue

 

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed public speculation and media reports suggesting the presence or deployment of United States combat troops in Nigeria, affirming that all engagements between both countries remain structured, transparent and fully respectful of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Thursday, 5 February 2026
Time: 18:12 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

According to the Defence Headquarters speaking through the Director Defence information, Major General Samaila Uba, Nigeria maintains a long-standing security partnership with the United States anchored on mutual respect and national interest, with cooperation focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security challenges such as terrorism and transnational threats.

The military authorities emphasised that all bilateral engagements are conducted strictly within existing frameworks and in full compliance with Nigeria’s constitutional and sovereignty provisions, countering narratives that imply foreign military presence outside agreed cooperation mechanisms.

As part of ongoing engagement efforts, a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting brought together senior United States government officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser, following earlier engagements held in the United States. The Defence Headquarters described these interactions as evidence of a mature, trust-based partnership focused on practical security outcomes.

Discussions during the engagements reportedly explored proposals to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint counter-terrorism efforts, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians and community safety. The Defence Headquarters noted that these proposals remain under consideration by relevant Nigerian authorities.

Reiterating Nigeria’s strategic posture, the Defence Headquarters stated that all engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the preservation of Nigeria’s sovereignty, assuring citizens that no arrangement undermines the country’s independence or territorial integrity.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the nation while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising constitutional authority or national control.

FACT-CHECK & BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Nigeria and the United States have maintained defence cooperation for decades, primarily centred on training, advisory support, intelligence collaboration and equipment assistance, rather than permanent foreign troop deployment or combat operations on Nigerian soil.

The clarification reflects heightened public sensitivity around sovereignty and foreign military presence, as Nigeria continues to balance international security cooperation with domestic expectations of national autonomy and civilian oversight.

Any proposed adjustments to existing cooperation frameworks will undergo internal review by Nigerian authorities, with implementation contingent on constitutional compliance and strategic necessity.

🏷 Tags: Defence Headquarters, Nigeria, US–Nigeria relations, military cooperation, national security, sovereignty

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