Nigerian Military Headquarters Denies Presence of American Troops in Nigeria
Nigeria’s military authorities have dismissed reports that American troops have been deployed to the country to tackle insecurity.
The Defence Headquarters said no foreign combat forces are operating on Nigerian soil. It described the claim as incorrect and misleading.
This response followed comments credited to the head of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, who suggested that U.S. personnel had been sent to Nigeria to support counterterrorism operations.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said Nigeria has not approved the stationing of American troops within its borders.
He explained that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States is based on cooperation, not troop deployment.
According to the military, the country maintains a structured security partnership with Washington that focuses on training, intelligence exchange, logistics assistance and strategic consultations.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that this partnership does not include combat operations by U.S. forces in Nigeria.
General Anderson had earlier spoken about closer collaboration between the two countries, claiming that discussions led to the presence of a small U.S. team in Nigeria.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson had told journalists.
Reacting to this, the Nigerian military clarified that such cooperation only involves technical and advisory support carried out within approved bilateral agreements.
It added that all engagements with the United States are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional provisions.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that senior officials from both countries recently held a two-day working session at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
The meeting was said to be part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening existing cooperation frameworks.
Officials discussed ways to improve coordination, boost accountability and enhance joint efforts against terrorism and other violent threats.
The military also revealed that proposals raised during the talks are still being reviewed by relevant Nigerian authorities and have not yet been adopted.
It assured Nigerians that every defence agreement entered into by the country is guided by national interest and measurable security outcomes.
The statement further noted that Nigeria’s partnerships with foreign nations are policy-driven and transparent.
Reassuring the public, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully responsible for the defence of the country and will not compromise national independence under any form of foreign collaboration.
It added that Nigeria will continue to work with credible international partners only in ways that strengthen its security system without undermining territorial control.
