U.S. Troop Drawdown Won’t Weaken Nigeria’s Security Partnership, Says DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the planned reduction of over 200 U.S. personnel from Nigeria will not undermine the robust security partnership between the two nations. Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a Joint Security news briefing. Uba emphasized that the drawdown should not be misconstrued as a weakening or termination of Nigeria's security cooperation with the United States.

He reiterated that the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. remains strong, enduring, and mutually advantageous. The deployment of U.S. personnel was contingent on specific operational and counter-terrorism goals, and the adjustment in troop presence is a natural evolution of the engagement. Uba clarified that intelligence cooperation, training, information sharing, and other professional military cooperation aspects will persist despite the changes in U.S. troop presence.

He emphasized that the responsibility for Nigeria's defense and citizen protection lies primarily with the Nigerian security forces. The partnership with the U.S. aims to bolster Nigeria's capabilities through intelligence sharing, training, and technical assistance. Uba assured that the military is committed to kinetic operations against terrorists and armed groups threatening Nigerians.

However, he stressed that the military would continue supporting non-kinetic interventions under a whole-of-society and whole-of-nation approach to addressing insecurity. Uba clarified that some non-kinetic initiatives are state-led, with the military providing support when required, underscoring that the police remain the lead agency for internal security.