The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports claiming that American troops have been deployed to Nigeria to combat insecurity, describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said no foreign combat forces are operating on Nigerian soil and that Nigeria has not approved the stationing of United States troops within its territory.

According to the military, Nigeria’s relationship with the United States is based strictly on security cooperation and does not involve the deployment of American combat troops.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria maintain a structured partnership with the United States that focuses on training, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic consultations,” the statement said, stressing that the arrangement does not permit combat operations by US forces in Nigeria.

The clarification followed remarks attributed to the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, who suggested that discussions between both countries had resulted in the presence of a small US team in Nigeria to support counterterrorism efforts.

Speaking to journalists earlier, Anderson said: “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States.”

Reacting to the comments, the DHQ explained that such collaboration is limited to technical and advisory support conducted under approved bilateral agreements and in full compliance with Nigeria’s laws.

The military added that all engagements with the United States are carried out with due respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional provisions.

It further disclosed that senior officials from both countries recently held a two-day working session at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja as part of ongoing dialogue to strengthen existing cooperation frameworks.

According to the statement, discussions during the meeting focused on improving coordination, enhancing accountability and strengthening joint efforts against terrorism and other violent threats.

 However, proposals raised at the talks are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities and have not been adopted.

Reassuring the public, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully responsible for the defence of the country and will not compromise national independence under any form of foreign collaboration.

It added that Nigeria will continue to work with credible international partners only in ways that strengthen national security without undermining territorial integrity or sovereignty.