The Defence Headquarters has said Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States remains strong despite the reported withdrawal of about 200 US military personnel from the country.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made this known while addressing concerns that the withdrawal could affect security relations between both countries.
Uba explained that the deployment of the US personnel was linked to specific operational and counter-terrorism objectives.
He said the withdrawal of some personnel should not be seen as a breakdown in relations but as part of the evolving nature of Nigeria’s bilateral security engagement with the United States.
According to him, key areas of cooperation, including intelligence sharing, training and information exchange, will continue.
Uba also stressed that the primary responsibility for defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens rests with the country’s security forces.
He said US support was focused on strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian military through intelligence sharing, training, technical assistance and other forms of professional military cooperation.
The Defence Information Director further disclosed that Nigeria and the United States could conduct joint operations, including strikes, when both countries determine that such action is necessary.
He said the partnership had continued to produce positive results in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats.
The Defence Headquarters urged the media and the public not to interpret the adjustment in US military presence as a collapse of Nigeria’s security cooperation or defence capability.
It assured Nigerians that security cooperation with the United States would continue in areas of mutual interest.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also dismissed concerns that the reported withdrawal of about 200 US military personnel signals the breakdown or termination of the security partnership between the two countries.
