US Military Troops Sent to Nigeria Are Not for Fighting Combat: Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed claims that United States troops deployed to Nigeria are coming for combat duties. It said the foreign personnel are in the country only to provide intelligence support and training for Nigerian forces.

Government officials explained that the mission is part of an existing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

The focus is to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the capacity of local troops in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The clarification followed a statement from the United States Africa Command announcing that a small group of its personnel had been deployed to Nigeria. The command said the move was based on Nigeria’s request and limited to technical assistance.

AFRICOM Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, described Nigeria as a key partner in regional security efforts. He said, “Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a willing and capable ally that requested unique capabilities only the United States can provide.”

The announcement, however, triggered concerns among Nigerians who feared that the presence of foreign troops could affect national sovereignty. Social media platforms were flooded with questions over whether the troops were coming to take part in direct military operations.

In response, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), stated that the visiting personnel are not combat soldiers. He said they are advisers working with Nigerian security agencies on intelligence and training matters.

He explained that the team is small and has no mandate to engage in battlefield operations. Musa added that their assignment is temporary and strictly guided by agreements between both countries. He did not reveal their number, exact location, or how long they will remain in Nigeria.

The development also drew reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party said the collaboration does not weaken Nigeria’s independence in any way.

Speaking on television, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the partnership is necessary to tackle the growing threat of terrorism. According to him, security cooperation is common among nations facing similar dangers.

He said, “What we know is that the US government and Nigerian authorities are working very closely to defeat terrorism in our country.”
Morka added, “Terrorism has brought immense pain and suffering to our people, with innocent citizens killed senselessly by these violent actors.”

He stressed that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to using every lawful and strategic means to restore peace across the country. Morka also dismissed claims that the United States is imposing decisions on Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria is fully involved in every stage of the cooperation process. He said, “That is not the case here. This is a coordinated effort between the Nigerian government and the United States, with both sides fully involved in all decisions.”

He further stated that any action taken would follow joint agreements reached by both governments. “Whatever is agreed at the table is what will be implemented,” he said.