The Defence Headquarters has clarified that Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States does not involve the deployment of U.S. troops in the country, dismissing recent media reports and public speculation.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the Nigeria–U.S. partnership is long-standing, well-structured and focused on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue.

Uba emphasised that all engagements under the partnership are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in strict compliance with established bilateral frameworks.

He explained that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting between senior U.S. officials and Nigerian counterparts, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, was part of routine cooperation and followed earlier engagements in the United States.

According to him, discussions at the meeting focused on proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation mechanisms, improving coordination and enhancing accountability in joint efforts to counter terrorism and other transnational threats, with priority given to the protection of civilians and community safety. He noted that the proposals are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities.

The defence spokesman reassured Nigerians that the country’s defence partnerships remain transparent, policy-driven and consistent with constitutional provisions, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity without compromising its independence.