Nigeria’s cooperation with US Army limited to training, intelligence sharing – Defence HQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the ongoing military partnership between Nigeria and the United States is centred on training, capacity building, and intelligence sharing—not the establishment of a US military base in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday during a Twitter Space organised by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, emphasised that the collaboration is strictly a bilateral effort aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security capabilities.
“This partnership does not involve the establishment of a foreign military base. Our cooperation with the United States focuses on professional training, operational capacity building, and intelligence sharing to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Major General Uba said.
He added that Nigeria maintains similar defence partnerships with several other countries as part of its broader strategy to improve military professionalism and tackle contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational crimes.
According to Major General Uba, the engagements include joint training exercises, strategic intelligence exchanges, technical cooperation, and knowledge sharing between defence institutions. These initiatives aim to help the Nigerian military adopt global best practices while improving operational efficiency in protecting national territory.
He reassured the public that all international military collaborations involving Nigeria are conducted with full respect for the country’s sovereignty and national interest.
In his remarks, Sunday Dare reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture through strategic international partnerships that support capacity building and the modernisation of the armed forces.
Participants in the discussion highlighted the importance of international cooperation in today’s interconnected security environment, noting that such partnerships help build a more capable and responsive military while ensuring Nigeria retains full control over its defence policies and operational decisions.
