The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the United States (US) has withdrawn all its troops from Nigeria, stating that about 200 American military personnel are still stationed in the country remain for intelligence cooperation and military training. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said only the additional troops deployed for […]
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the United States (US) has withdrawn all its troops from Nigeria, stating that about 200 American military personnel are still stationed in the country remain for intelligence cooperation and military training.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said only the additional troops deployed for a special operation in the Lake Chad Basin completed their assignment and returned home.
He explained that the permanent US personnel handling intelligence collaboration and military training continue to work alongside Nigerian security forces as part of an existing bilateral partnership.
According to Uba, the Nigeria US security relationship remains active, with both countries maintaining intelligence sharing aimed at disrupting the activities of the Islamic State (ISIS) and other terrorist organisations.
He added that specialised military personnel could still be deployed whenever particular operations require unique skills or capabilities.
The clarification came after reports quoted Commander of the US Air Forces in Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, as announcing the withdrawal of most troops following the successful completion of the Lake Chad counterterrorism mission.
Anderson, however, maintained that intelligence cooperation with Nigeria would continue, describing the country as an important security partner and crediting the joint effort with helping eliminate one of ISIS’ top global leaders.