U.S. Troop Withdrawal Won't Affect Nigeria's Security Ties

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) assured that the planned withdrawal of more than 200 U.S. personnel from Nigeria will not impact the strong security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, made this statement during a Joint Security Spokespersons briefing at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA) in Abuja.

Uba clarified that the troop drawdown should not be seen as a breakdown of cooperation, as the relationship remains strong and mutually beneficial. He explained that the deployment of U.S. personnel is linked to specific operational objectives, and intelligence cooperation, training, and information sharing will continue.

Uba emphasized that the primary responsibility for Nigeria's defense lies with its security forces, and the military will maintain its focus on kinetic operations against terrorism. He also noted that the military supports non-kinetic initiatives led by the state, while the police remain the lead agency for internal security.