US-Nigeria military partnership rooted in mutual interest, AFRICOM

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has emphasized that its military cooperation with Nigeria is built upon a foundation of respect for Nigerian sovereignty and shared interests. Colonel Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM's Director of Public Affairs, clarified during an X Space discussion that American forces operate in Nigeria strictly by invitation and within an agreed 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.

Heyse was firm in stating that the partnership is not an imposition. "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," she said. The US remains committed to this partnership as long as it is mutually beneficial, addressing shared security threats and providing value to both nations.

From the Nigerian perspective, Major General Samiala Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, reinforced this position. He clarified that Nigeria determines the scope and duration of the collaboration. "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 stated.

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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.

Uba highlighted the significant benefits of the partnership, noting that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently undergoing training in the North-east. He described the collaboration as instrumental in skills development and providing valuable operational lessons through interaction with the US military.

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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.

Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare also acknowledged the partnership's positive impact, crediting it with increasing the tempo and consistency of Nigeria's counter-insurgency operations. "Nigeria has seen the war against terror increase in tempo and consistency, and we have recorded massive successes in counter-insurgency operations," Dare remarked, thanking the US government for its active collaboration.

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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.