US Presence In Nigeria Is Strictly By Invitation — AFRICOM Clarifies Stance

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that American military involvement in Nigeria is conducted strictly by invitation and within the framework of a formal bilateral agreement.

According to Ireporter Online, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, made this known during an Space discussion titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism.” She stressed that the partnership between both countries is anchored on mutual respect and Nigeria’s sovereignty, noting that the arrangement is neither imposed nor unilateral.

Heyse explained that all operations and cooperation are guided by the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework, adding that the United States remains committed to the collaboration as long as it continues to serve the shared security interests of both nations. She reiterated that the engagement is sustained by mutual benefit in addressing common security threats.

Reinforcing Nigeria’s position, the Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Samiala Uba, stated that the collaboration is initiated and controlled by Nigeria, which determines its scope and duration. He explained that the partnership allows Nigeria to leverage specialised expertise and capabilities from the United States to strengthen its military operations.

Uba further disclosed that several Nigerian military personnel are currently receiving training in the North-East under the arrangement, describing the cooperation as highly beneficial in terms of skills development and operational improvement. He noted that ongoing interactions with U.S. forces continue to provide valuable lessons for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Also speaking, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare commended the collaboration, saying it has contributed to increased momentum and consistency in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, leading to notable progress in the fight against terrorism.