DHQ Confirms Presence of U.S. Troops in Nigeria, Rules Out Combat Operations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria, while firmly dismissing widespread speculation that the foreign troops have been deployed for combat operations. According to the Nigerian military authorities, the American personnel currently in the country are engaged strictly in advisory and support roles designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, clarified that the U.S. troops are not involved in ground combat or direct military engagements. Instead, their presence is limited to capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue with Nigerian security forces. He emphasized that the cooperation is part of a long-standing and structured security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

The clarification followed public concern and media reports triggered by disclosures from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which earlier confirmed that a small team of American military personnel had been deployed to Nigeria. AFRICOM explained that the deployment was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government and forms part of ongoing bilateral security cooperation.

Speaking during a virtual press briefing, AFRICOM Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, described the mission as advisory in nature and focused on providing specialized intelligence support to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. He stressed that the deployment aligns with mutual security objectives and does not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. According to him, “Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a willing and capable ally that requested unique capabilities only the United States can provide.”

Major-General Uba reiterated that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains fully intact, assuring citizens that all engagements with foreign partners are conducted within established bilateral frameworks and in accordance with national laws. He noted that Nigeria has maintained decades of structured security cooperation with the United States, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.

As part of this partnership, Uba disclosed that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, bringing together senior U.S. government officials and their Nigerian counterparts. The meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States and reflected what he described as a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes. Discussions reportedly centered on proposals to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination, enhance accountability, and ensure the protection of civilians while countering violent threats. These proposals, he added, are currently under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.

Addressing public anxiety, the DHQ stressed that Nigeria’s engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes, and the preservation of national independence. Uba assured Nigerians that defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven, and aligned with constitutional provisions, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully responsible for all operational decisions on the ground.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also weighed in on the issue, explaining that the American personnel are not combat troops but a small advisory team providing intelligence and capacity-building support. In an interview with the BBC, Musa stated that the deployment is part of a long-standing bilateral relationship aimed at improving Nigeria’s ability to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. He declined to disclose operational details such as the size, location, duration, or timing of the deployment, citing security concerns, but stressed that Nigerian forces remain firmly in command.

Legal and security experts have offered varying perspectives on the development. A security analyst, Abdullahi Garba, argued that the presence of U.S. forces is not inimical to Nigeria’s sovereignty, provided it has the approval of the federal government. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and observe how the situation unfolds. Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dayo Akinlaja, noted that while the legal framework may not be explicit, the executive arm of government retains the prerogative to take necessary measures to safeguard national security. Another legal practitioner, Obioma Ezenwobodo, added that the deployment is consistent with international law, particularly when limited to technical and intelligence support.

Overall, Nigerian authorities insist that the presence of U.S. troops represents a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing security capabilities, not a foreign military takeover. They maintain that Nigeria remains fully sovereign, with its armed forces in complete control of all military operations.