US personnel drawdown will not affect counterterrorism cooperation, Nigeria says

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has rejected the idea that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel marks a rupture in the two countries’ security relationship.

Maj. Gen. S. Uba, the director of defence information, described the move Tuesday as a routine adjustment linked to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives. He said the partnership remained “strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial.”

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strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial

“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,” Uba said.

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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 added that elements of the cooperation, including intelligence sharing, training and information exchange, would continue. The broader partnership also includes technical assistance and other forms of professional military cooperation, according to the defence spokesman.

Uba stressed that Nigerian security forces retained primary responsibility for defending the country and protecting its citizens. US cooperation, he said, was intended to strengthen the Nigerian military’s capabilities. “Where it is jointly assessed that additional efforts, including joint strikes, are required, we do that,” he said, adding that the partnership had produced valuable results in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats.

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Where it is jointly assessed that additional efforts, including joint strikes, are required, we do that.