Defence Headquarters Says US Military Support Does Not Threaten Nigeria’s Sovereignty

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed concerns that military assistance from the United States poses any risk to Nigeria’s sovereignty, describing the partnership as lawful, routine and beneficial to national security efforts.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the cooperation between Nigeria and the US was aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against insecurity. He added that the support came at no financial cost to the federal government.

General Onoja explained that the presence of US personnel in Nigeria should not be misunderstood. According to him, their role is limited to advisory services, intelligence sharing and capacity building. He said the exact number of US troops in the country was not important, as long as their involvement contributes to dismantling terrorist networks.

He stressed that the collaboration forms part of standard military-to-military engagements seen around the world, especially among nations confronting terrorism and other security threats. The objective, he said, is to improve operational efficiency and protect citizens, not to compromise Nigeria’s independence.

Onoja noted that the United States has a global policy of pursuing terrorist threats to protect its national interests, adding that its support to Nigeria falls within that framework.

In an earlier statement, signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military clarified that the deployment followed discussions between Nigerian and US officials. The statement emphasised that the focus of the cooperation is on training Nigerian troops and enhancing counter-terrorism operations across the country.

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