The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described the ongoing military support provided by the United States to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism as normal and in line with established international defence cooperation.
The DHQ stated this on Friday in Abuja, dismissing public concerns over the presence of American military personnel in the country, and stressing that the collaboration does not in any way undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, who addressed journalists during a media briefing, explained that the U.S. support is strictly limited to training, advisory services and capacity-building for Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
Onoja said the assistance, which he noted comes at no financial cost to the Federal Government, is part of a long-standing military-to-military relationship between both countries aimed at tackling global security threats.
According to him, the recent arrival of about 100 U.S. military personnel and their equipment followed extensive consultations between defence authorities of both nations and should not be misinterpreted as foreign military intervention.
“The American government is interested in fighting terrorism globally. The support being rendered to Nigeria is purely professional and should not be viewed as abnormal,” he said.
He added that similar training arrangements exist in other countries, including programmes where Nigerian officers are deployed abroad for professional military education and joint exercises.
The DHQ spokesperson urged Nigerians to focus on the operational benefits of the collaboration, noting that the training support has already begun yielding positive results in ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country.
Onoja assured that Nigeria’s military command structure remains firmly in control of all operations, adding that theatre commanders and other security chiefs continue to receive clear directives to intensify efforts to protect lives and property nationwide.
On the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and reintegration initiative, Operation Safe Corridor, the DHQ said the programme is currently under review to address emerging challenges and improve its effectiveness.
He explained that while the initiative recorded notable successes at its inception, evolving security realities require adjustments to ensure that rehabilitated ex-combatants are properly monitored and reintegrated into society.
The DHQ further reiterated that security initiatives at the state level must align with federal security architecture, noting that while governors can support security efforts, such actions must receive appropriate authorisation to ensure coordination and effectiveness.
The military authorities reassured the public of their commitment to sustaining the fight against terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability across all affected regions of the country.
