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| Defence Headquarters Building |
In a move to dispel public apprehension regarding international military cooperation, the Defence Headquarters has clarified the nature of the United States military presence in Nigeria. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, has clarified that the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria involves zero financial cost to the Federal Government and is strictly a collaborative training initiative designed to strengthen the nation's capacity to combat terrorism and secure lives and properties.
Speaking at a monthly media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 27 February 2026, Major General Onoja dismissed growing public concerns about American military presence on Nigerian soil, emphasizing that the partnership represents a strategic value addition that does not in any way compromise Nigeria's sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Major General Onoja made it explicitly clear that Nigeria is not paying any monetary compensation to the United States Government for the military cooperation. "This is a collaboration effort to help Nigeria in tackling insecurity," Major General Onoja stated. "The cooperation is at no cost to the Federal Government, as it aligns with the U.S. policy of pursuing global counter-terrorism to secure its own national interests."
He explained that the arrangement is mutually beneficial, with the United States advancing its global security objectives while simultaneously strengthening Nigeria's defence capabilities in the fight against terrorism and other security threats plaguing various regions of the country.
Addressing concerns about the nature and scope of US military involvement, Major General Onoja clarified that American personnel are in Nigeria strictly for training and capacity building purposes, not combat operations or territorial occupation.
"Nobody is giving away our sovereignty," the Major General emphasized. "The American government is offering us training… it is just a training program. We go for training abroad all the time; it is a matter of mutual respect."
He urged Nigerians to focus on the operational benefits and enhanced capabilities that the partnership delivers to the Armed Forces, rather than fixating on the number of foreign trainers present in the country. The training, he noted, equips Nigerian military personnel with advanced skills, intelligence-gathering techniques, and modern tactical approaches necessary to effectively confront and neutralize terrorist elements.
In line with its constitutional mandate to secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians, the Defence Headquarters has consistently sought strategic partnerships and capacity-building opportunities to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. The collaboration with the United States represents one such initiative aimed at ensuring that Nigerian troops are equipped with world-class training and expertise to protect the nation's territorial integrity and civilian population.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters' unwavering commitment to eliminating all forms of criminality, terrorism, and insurgency across the country. "We will make sure we smoke them out from wherever they are," he declared, assuring Nigerians that ongoing operations are yielding significant results and that the military remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and stability to all affected regions.
The Director of Defence Media Operations also addressed recent security incidents, particularly dismissing narratives suggesting a resurgence or infiltration of terrorists in areas such as Michika Local Government Area. He characterized recent attacks on civilian targets as acts of desperation resulting from the intensified pressure being exerted on terrorist groups through the Nigeria-US military cooperation.
"When
you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets," Major
General Onoja explained. "It is not a case of resurgence. Significant
work, attacks, and decimation of the terrorists are ongoing."
He confirmed that the Theater Commander and relevant security chiefs are actively managing the situation and promised visible results "in the next couple of days." The Major General also expressed sympathy for the 27 victims of recent violence, assuring their families and communities that justice would be served and security reinforced.
In a direct appeal to media practitioners, Major General Onoja cautioned against sensational reporting that could inadvertently serve terrorist propaganda objectives. While acknowledging the press's responsibility to inform the public, he urged journalists to adopt a national interest perspective in their coverage of security incidents.
"Terrorists need the oxygen of broadcasting their activities," the Major General warned. "We should be more modest in reporting so they will not achieve what they want to achieve, which is to cause panic within the society."
He called for balanced reporting that keeps citizens informed without amplifying fear or providing terrorists with the psychological victory they seek through publicity.
The Defence Headquarters remains committed to leveraging all available resources, partnerships, and strategic collaborations to fulfill its mandate of protecting Nigerian citizens and ensuring national security. The cost-free partnership with the United States military represents a significant force multiplier in Nigeria's ongoing counter-terrorism operations, providing enhanced training and capacity without compromising sovereignty or incurring financial burden on the Federal Government.
As
military operations continue across various theaters, Nigerians are urged to
remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and trust in the Armed
Forces' capacity to deliver lasting peace and security.