The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed that its military cooperation with Nigeria is based on mutual agreement and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that American forces operate in the country only at the invitation of the Nigerian government.
Speaking during an X Space discussion on strengthening security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, said the partnership remains guided by a bilateral framework agreed upon by both nations.
According to her, the United States has no intention of imposing its presence on Nigeria and will continue to support the country only within the limits approved by Nigerian authorities.
“Our cooperation with Nigeria is built on respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” Heyse said.
She added that the United States remains committed to the partnership as long as both countries continue to benefit from it and share common security interests.
Also speaking during the discussion, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Samiala Uba, emphasised that the collaboration was initiated by Nigeria to address specific security challenges.
He explained that the country continues to leverage American expertise, specialised training and operational support in areas where assistance is needed.
“The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The specialised capabilities and expertise provided by the United States are valuable to us, and as long as they remain beneficial, we will continue to work together under the existing framework,” Uba stated.
He revealed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently undergoing training in the North-East as part of the security partnership, noting that the Armed Forces have gained significant operational experience and professional skills through the collaboration.
Presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, also praised the security partnership, saying it has contributed to the progress made in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
According to him, the collaboration has helped improve the effectiveness and consistency of counter-insurgency operations across the country.
“We appreciate the support and collaboration of the US government. Nigeria has recorded major successes in the fight against terrorism, and this partnership has played an important role in strengthening our military operations,” Dare said.
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Security cooperation between both countries intensified after the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” in 2025 over concerns relating to religious violence and insecurity.
While the Nigerian government rejected claims of targeted killings of Christians, it continued to engage the United States on security matters, particularly in combating terrorism and insurgency.
In December 2025, AFRICOM carried out missile strikes against ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Following the operation, about 200 US troops were deployed to assist with training Nigerian forces involved in counter-terrorism operations.
The partnership has since recorded notable successes, including the elimination of several high-profile terrorist figures, among them Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was described by some security analysts as one of ISIS’s top global commanders.
Both countries say the collaboration will continue to focus on intelligence sharing, military training and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
