The Nigerian military on Thursday acknowledged the presence of United States personnel in the country, but firmly denied that American troops had been deployed for combat or ground operations. Officials described the cooperation as strictly advisory, technical and capacity building in scope.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, issued the clarification following public concerns triggered by reports of US deployment. He explained that the partnership focuses on training, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic security consultations. According to him, the collaboration targets shared threats such as terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime.
The confirmation followed remarks by the United States Africa Command, which earlier disclosed that a small American team was working in Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government. AFRICOM Commander Dagvin Anderson, speaking during a virtual briefing, said the personnel were providing specialised intelligence support for counterterrorism operations. He described the mission as advisory and aligned with long-standing bilateral cooperation.
Uba emphasised that all engagements between both countries are conducted within the bounds of Nigeria’s sovereignty and established diplomatic frameworks. He noted that a recent two day working session between senior officials of both governments reaffirmed coordination on counterterrorism, protection of civilians and improved accountability in joint efforts. Proposals from those meetings, he added, are still being reviewed by Nigerian authorities.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that international security partnerships are guided strictly by national interest, measurable results and constitutional obligations. Uba reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully responsible for all operations within the country and continue to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa also addressed public concerns in a separate interview. He described the American personnel as a small advisory and technical team assisting with intelligence and capacity building. He declined to provide further operational details but stressed that Nigerian forces retain complete operational control.
Security analysts and legal experts have offered varied interpretations of the development. Intelligence specialist Abdullahi Garba said the presence of US advisers is likely based on formal government approval and should not be viewed as a breach of sovereignty. He urged Nigerians to observe how the cooperation unfolds.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dayo Akinlaja noted that although the specific legal framework for such deployment is not immediately clear, the executive arm of government has constitutional responsibility to protect citizens. Another legal practitioner, Obioma Ezenwobodo, explained that the assistance is non combat in nature and centres on technical and intelligence support made necessary by Nigeria’s prolonged struggle with terrorism.
He added that under the United Nations Charter, foreign military involvement is restricted unless based on consent, self defence or Security Council authorisation, noting that the current arrangement appears to fall under bilateral consent.
The military has maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains intact and that all ongoing cooperation with the United States is transparent and aligned with national priorities.
