US military presence in Nigeria based on invitation – AFRICOM

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that its military cooperation with Nigeria operates strictly on the basis of Nigerian sovereignty and mutual interest. Col. Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM's Director of Public Affairs, emphasized during an X Space discussion that American forces are in Nigeria solely by invitation and function within a defined bilateral framework.

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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.

"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 stated. She further affirmed the U.S. commitment to the partnership, provided it remains mutually beneficial and addresses shared security threats. This ensures the collaboration continues as long as both nations find value in it.

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As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership.

From the Nigerian perspective, Maj. Gen. Samiala Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, corroborated this position. He stressed that Nigeria dictates the terms and duration of the engagement, seeking specific competencies and expertise from the U.S. that are deemed necessary. "The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework," Uba explained.

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The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework.

Uba highlighted the substantial benefits Nigeria derives from this partnership, including the ongoing training of hundreds of Nigerian military personnel in the North-East. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare also credited the collaboration with enhancing the tempo and consistency of Nigeria's counter-insurgency operations, leading to significant successes. The article also briefly touches upon a past U.S. designation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" in November 2025, a designation the Nigerian government rejected.

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The Armed Forces of Nigeria are benefiting immensely from this collaboration, including skills development and specialised training. There are many operational lessons we continue to learn through our interaction with the United States.