US personnel withdrawal routine won’t affect counterterrorism cooperation – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the reported withdrawal of approximately 200 United States personnel from Nigeria will not impact the security cooperation between the two nations. The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. S. Uba, made this statement on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons briefing.

Uba emphasized that the development is a routine adjustment linked to specific operational objectives and not a termination of the enduring security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. He stated that the relationship remains "strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial," and the withdrawal does not affect intelligence cooperation, training, and information sharing.

Uba reiterated that defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens primarily falls on Nigerian security forces, while maintaining that cooperation with the US aims to bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian military. The DHQ clarified that where necessary, including joint strikes, such operations are undertaken in joint assessments.

The partnership has contributed positively to the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats, and Uba urged the media and public not to interpret the adjustment in foreign military personnel presence as a sign of weakening security cooperation or national defence capability.