The Defence Headquarters has assured Nigerians that the ongoing military assistance from the United States Government comes at no financial cost and does not in any way undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
The clarification followed public concerns over the recent arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment into the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday during a briefing on ongoing military operations, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the collaboration is strictly focused on training and capacity-building for Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
According to him, the partnership should not be misconstrued as foreign interference.
“The American government is interested in combating terrorism, and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost,” Onoja said. “Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty.”
The DHQ had earlier confirmed on February 17 that the deployment of US personnel followed deliberations during a working group engagement between Nigerian officials and their American counterparts.
Onoja stressed that the foreign personnel are primarily engaged in specialised training programmes, describing the arrangement as similar to situations where Nigerian military officers travel abroad for advanced courses.
“There is no basis for concern. We go for training abroad all the time. This is simply a training programme,” he added.
He urged the public to focus on the strategic value of the collaboration rather than the number of foreign troops involved, noting that the partnership had already yielded positive outcomes within two months of commencement.
The defence spokesman further assured that theatre commanders and other security chiefs remain in firm control of operations across troubled regions and are taking proactive steps to prevent further attacks by insurgents.
He also appealed to the media to exercise restraint and professionalism in reporting security matters, warning that excessive publicity of terrorist activities could inadvertently amplify panic and advance insurgents’ propaganda objectives.
On concerns surrounding the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation initiative for surrendered insurgents under Operation Safe Corridor, Onoja disclosed that the programme is currently under review.
He acknowledged that while the initiative recorded notable successes at inception, certain challenges had emerged over time.
“Operation Safe Corridor was designed in conjunction with the Borno State Government and relevant ministries to de-radicalise and rehabilitate those who surrendered. For a period, it achieved significant success,” he said.
He, however, admitted that the programme requires adjustments.
“As with every human endeavour, there are challenges. We acknowledge the concerns raised by Nigerians and assure that a comprehensive review is underway. New operational directives will be made public in due course,” he said.
Onoja emphasised that insurgents, including members of Boko Haram, remain Nigerian citizens under the law, adding that while they must account for their crimes, rehabilitation remains an option where feasible.
“In the laws of war, they are still Nigerians. They may have erred and will account for their actions. But if there is an opportunity to rehabilitate them, we must consider it,” he said.
He also addressed concerns over state-level peace initiatives, noting that while governors can adopt security measures within their jurisdictions, such actions must align with federal directives and receive authorisation from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“For us in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, we align strictly with federal government policies. Where a governor adopts certain measures based on security assessments, we provide support in line with national directives,” he added.
The DHQ reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s counter-insurgency architecture through strategic partnerships while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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