The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed that its military partnership with Nigeria remains firmly rooted in mutual interest and full respect for Nigerian sovereignty.
AFRICOM Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, made the clarification during an X Space discussion on Tuesday titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing.” She stressed that US forces operate strictly by invitation and within the framework of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group. Heyse noted that the cooperation would continue as long as both nations find it beneficial in addressing shared security threats.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Samiala Uba, confirmed that the partnership is at Nigeria’s instance. He highlighted that hundreds of Nigerian troops are currently benefiting from training programmes in the North-East, acquiring critical skills that have significantly improved counter-insurgency operations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare credited the collaboration with enhancing the tempo and success of military efforts, including recent high-profile operations against terrorist leaders.
The partnership encompasses training, intelligence sharing, and targeted actions, such as the 2025 strikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto State. Both sides described it as a win-win arrangement focused on capacity building and regional stability. This clarification comes amid ongoing public discourse and occasional scepticism regarding foreign military involvement in Nigeria.
The development underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling complex security challenges like terrorism and insurgency that transcend national borders. Analysts say sustained partnerships of this nature, while respecting sovereignty, could play a vital role in stabilising affected regions and supporting Nigeria’s broader defence objectives.
