The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the United States military support to Nigeria is not a threat to the country’s sovereignty. The support, which includes training, intelligence, and operational assistance, comes at no cost and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that the US presence is purely for partnership and advisory purposes, with Nigerian troops leading the operations.
Speaking to Journalists in Abuja yesterday Saturday February 28, Onoja said:
“We must appreciate the assistance that the United States Government is providing to the Nigerian military to ensure that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. The ultimate objective of that assistance is to ensure that Nigeria has an environment that is conducive for all citizens to live in peace, free from the threat of terrorists.
As you know, the American Government has a policy that enables it to pursue terrorists anywhere in the world in order to safeguard its own national interests and national security. Therefore, what they are doing in coming to our aid to assist us should not be considered unusual.”
The DHQ explained that the collaboration is part of a strategic partnership with the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and is focused on building Nigeria’s capacity to tackle terrorism. The arrangement doesn’t compromise Nigeria’s territorial integrity or national security, and the US personnel are only providing training and technical support.
Over 100 US troops landed Nigeria on February 17 and were deployed to Northern Nigeria in order to help fight Islamists extremists and insecurities in the country. The US had initially bombed Sokoto state on Christmas day with Trump saying it was “Christmas Present” for the Terrorists targeting and killing Christians in Northern Nigeria.
