US military presence in Nigeria is based entirely on the invitation and consent of the Nigerian government, according to the United States Africa Command.
AFRICOM stressed that its cooperation with Nigeria respects the country’s sovereignty and operates within an agreed framework between both nations.
The clarification came during an X Space discussion held on Tuesday. The session focused on strategic information sharing and the fight against terrorism.
AFRICOM Says Cooperation Respects Nigeria’s Sovereignty
AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, said the partnership with Nigeria is founded on mutual interests.
According to her, American forces do not impose themselves on Nigeria.
She said:
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.”
Heyse added that Washington would remain committed to the partnership as long as both countries continue to benefit from the arrangement.
According to her:
“As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership.”
Nigeria Determines Scope of Collaboration
The Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed Nigeria’s control over the relationship.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the cooperation exists because Nigeria requested it.
He explained that the expertise and specialised capabilities provided by the United States remain valuable to the country’s security efforts.
According to Uba:
“The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require.”
He noted that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently undergoing training in the North-East.
Uba said the partnership has improved operational capabilities and enhanced skills among members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He stated:
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are benefiting immensely from this collaboration, including skills development and specialised training.”
Presidency Credits Partnership for Counter-Insurgency Gains
Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare also praised the security cooperation between both countries.
He thanked the United States government for supporting Nigeria’s military operations.
According to him:
“Nigeria has seen the war against terror increase in tempo and consistency, and we have recorded massive successes in counter-insurgency operations.”
Dare said the partnership has contributed to improved performance in the fight against insurgency.
Cooperation Deepened After 2025 Developments
In November 2025, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
He claimed Christians in the country faced serious threats from radical Islamist groups.
However, the Nigerian government rejected allegations of mass killings of Christians.
Instead, authorities sought stronger collaboration with the United States to intensify counter-insurgency operations.
On Christmas Day 2025, AFRICOM carried out missile strikes against ISIS militants in Sokoto State.
The operation took place in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Following the strikes, the United States deployed about 200 troops to train Nigerian forces engaged in anti-terror operations.
Joint Operations Yield Results
Security cooperation between both countries has reportedly produced significant results.
One notable achievement was the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
Some observers described him as ISIS’s second-in-command globally.
Officials believe continued collaboration will help strengthen Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and other security threats.
US military presence in Nigeria remains based on mutual agreement and the invitation of the Nigerian government, according to AFRICOM and Nigerian authorities.
Both countries maintain that the partnership respects Nigeria’s sovereignty while providing valuable training and operational support.
As security challenges persist, officials from both sides say the collaboration will continue for as long as it remains beneficial to their shared objectives.
Image Credit: Truth Nigeria
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