US Africa Command Affirms Military Partnership Respects Nigerian Sovereignty

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has stated that its ongoing military cooperation with Nigeria is built entirely on mutual interest and a deep respect for Nigerian sovereignty, clarifying that American forces operate in the country strictly by invitation.

Speaking during a recent panel discussion on bilateral counter-terrorism efforts, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, emphasized that the deployment is regulated by a joint diplomatic framework. “Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty.

We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” Heyse said, adding that the U.S. remains committed to the alliance as long as shared security threats exist.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters reinforced this stance, clarifying that the Nigerian military dictates the scope and timeline of the collaboration based on its strategic needs.

Major General Samiala Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, revealed that hundreds of Nigerian personnel are currently receiving specialized training in the North-East zone. He noted that the partnership provides invaluable tactical skills and operational expertise to troops on the front lines.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare also credited the alliance with accelerating the pace of domestic counter-insurgency efforts, pointing to recent significant operational milestones in the country’s war on terror.

The military partnership has intensified following a series of bilateral developments over the past year. In late 2025, the U.S. government authorized targeted missile strikes against ISIS networks in northern Nigeria in coordination with local authorities, followed by the deployment of approximately 200 American military trainers.

Officials report that the combined intelligence and tactical operations have already yielded high-profile successes, including the elimination of top-tier global ISIS commanders operating within the region.