The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims by the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, that American troops were deployed to Nigeria to assist in combating insecurity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said no foreign combat forces are stationed on Nigerian soil.
General Anderson had told journalists on Tuesday, January 3, that discussions between Washington and Abuja led to closer collaboration, including the deployment of a small US team with “unique capabilities” to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations. He suggested that both countries concluded that existing measures were insufficient to tackle evolving security threats in the region.
But the Nigerian military firmly rejected that assertion, maintaining that while Nigeria maintains a longstanding and structured security partnership with the United States, the relationship does not involve the stationing of American troops in the country.
According to the Defence Headquarters, cooperation between the two nations is based on mutual respect and centres on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics assistance and strategic dialogue to address terrorism and other transnational threats.
The statement stressed that all engagements with the United States are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and within the framework of established bilateral agreements.
“As part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior US government officials and their Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser,” the statement noted.
It added that the meeting followed earlier consultations held in the United States, describing the engagements as reflective of a mature, trust-based relationship aimed at delivering practical security outcomes.
The military said discussions during the meetings focused on proposals to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats, while ensuring civilian protection.
However, it clarified that the proposals are still being reviewed by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Reassuring the public, the Defence Headquarters said Nigeria’s defence collaborations with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable results and the protection of sovereignty.
“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 said.