AFRICOM insists its operations in Nigeria are strictly by invitation, as both countries highlight gains in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed that its military cooperation with Nigeria is based strictly on mutual agreement and full respect for Nigerian sovereignty, stressing that American forces operate only by invitation under a defined bilateral framework.
Speaking during an X Space discussion titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism,” AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, said the partnership is not imposed but jointly structured.
She explained that the cooperation operates under the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group framework, adding that both countries continue the arrangement based on shared security interests.
From the Nigerian side, Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major General Samiala Uba echoed the same position, stating that Nigeria determines the scope and duration of the partnership. He noted that the collaboration has supported training and operational capacity building for Nigerian troops, particularly in the North-East.
Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare also commended the partnership, saying it has contributed to improved counter-insurgency operations and more consistent military pressure on extremist groups.
The cooperation has recently included training support for Nigerian forces and joint efforts targeting insurgent networks, with officials pointing to improved operational outcomes in affected regions.
The engagement comes amid heightened global attention on security cooperation in Nigeria following past US counter-terrorism actions and continued intelligence-sharing arrangements between both countries.