Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The United States Africa Command has reaffirmed that its military partnership with Nigeria is based on mutual interests and respect for the country’s sovereignty, stressing that all American military activities in Nigeria are conducted at the invitation of the Nigerian government.
Speaking during an X Space discussion on Tuesday titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism,” AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, said the collaboration operates under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.
“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,” she said.
Heyse added that Washington would remain committed to the relationship as long as it continued to serve the interests of both countries.
“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,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said Nigeria retains full control over the extent of the collaboration, noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to benefit from specialised training and operational support.
“The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework,” Uba said.
He disclosed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently undergoing training in the North-East, describing the partnership as a valuable source of operational experience and skills development.
Presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, credited the collaboration with strengthening Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
“We want to thank the US government for the active collaboration they have had with our military.
“Nigeria has seen the war against terror increase in tempo and consistency, and we have recorded massive successes in counter-insurgency operations,” he said.
The partnership gained renewed attention after the United States carried out coordinated strikes against ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State in December 2025 with the approval of Nigerian authorities.
The operation was followed by the deployment of about 200 US personnel to support training programmes for Nigerian troops battling insurgents.
Officials said the cooperation has contributed to several counter-terrorism successes, including the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS figure.
