US Troop Drawdown Routine, Won’t Weaken Nigeria’s Security — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed concerns over the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States military personnel from Nigeria, describing the move as a routine operational adjustment rather than a breakdown in the security partnership between the two countries.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made the clarification on Tuesday during a security briefing in Abuja, following reports of a US troop withdrawal from the country.

Uba said the personnel drawdown was connected to specific operational and counter-terrorism requirements and should not be viewed as an end to military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria-United States security partnership,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s relationship with the US remains “strong, enduring and mutually beneficial,” with cooperation continuing in areas such as intelligence sharing, military training, information exchange and technical assistance.

The defence spokesman explained that US military deployments in Nigeria are based on specific operational needs, making adjustments to troop presence a normal part of the evolving security partnership.

He also emphasised that the primary responsibility for defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens rests with the Nigerian security forces, while international partnerships are designed to enhance their capabilities.

The clarification followed remarks by the Commander of US Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, that a significant portion of American personnel deployed for a specific counter-terrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin had been withdrawn.

Anderson, however, indicated that intelligence sharing and broader security cooperation with Nigeria would continue.

The DHQ further clarified that personnel involved specifically in the Lake Chad operation were distinct from US personnel based in Nigeria for longer-term intelligence, training and other security cooperation activities.

Uba assured Nigerians that the latest troop adjustment would not undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts or weaken the broader security relationship between Nigeria and the United States.