Author: Gist Correspondent

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, that American troops have been deployed to Nigeria to tackle insecurity.

In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said categorically that no foreign combat forces are stationed on Nigerian soil.

General Anderson had earlier suggested that the United States deployed personnel to Nigeria following discussions between Washington and Abuja, which reportedly concluded that existing measures were inadequate to address evolving security challenges in the region.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, January 3, Anderson said the talks led to closer cooperation between both countries, including the deployment of a small U.S. team to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson was quoted as saying.

However, the DHQ clarified that while Nigeria maintains a long-standing security partnership with the United States, the collaboration does not involve the deployment of American troops.

According to the military, the partnership is based on mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue to address common security threats such as terrorism and other transnational crimes.

The Defence Headquarters stressed that all engagements with the United States are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in strict accordance with existing bilateral agreements.

It disclosed that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, bringing together senior officials from both countries. The meeting, it said, followed earlier engagements in the United States and underscored a mature, trust-based relationship aimed at delivering practical outcomes.

The DHQ noted that discussions at the meeting included proposals to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts against violent threats, while prioritising civilian protection and community safety.

It added that the proposals are still being reviewed by relevant Nigerian authorities.

Reassuring Nigerians, the military said all defence partnerships entered into by the country are transparent, guided by national interest and 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.