ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the United States military is providing support to Nigerian forces at no cost, and the collaboration does not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty.
On Monday, February 17, 2026, around 100 United States military personnel and equipment arrived in Nigeria following discussions between Nigerian and American delegations. The deployment is focused on training Nigerian troops and enhancing ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the country.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, spoke to journalists in Abuja on Friday, February 27, 2026. He reassured the public that the support from the United States is a standard training collaboration and should not be seen as unusual. “The American government is interested in combating terrorism, and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost,” he said.
He confirmed that Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty remain fully intact. “Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty,” Onoja said.
According to Onoja, the cooperation over the past two months has already yielded positive results, with more outcomes expected soon. United States personnel in the country are primarily engaged in training programs, similar to arrangements where Nigerian officers travel abroad for professional development.
Onoja also addressed the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation initiative, Operation Safe Corridor. He acknowledged that while the program initially achieved notable success, challenges have emerged over time. “We do not deny that there are challenges, and we also acknowledge that there is a need for a review. The Boko Haram fighters are still considered Nigerians. They may have erred, and they will definitely account for whatever they have done. But if we have the opportunity to rehabilitate them, are we saying we should not?” he said.
He noted that governors may implement security measures within their states, but such actions must align with federal directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The Armed Forces remain in full support of federal policies while supervising state-level peace initiatives where necessary.
The DHQ emphasized that responsible media reporting is important, warning that over-publicity of terrorist activities could spread panic and inadvertently benefit insurgents.