The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that its military personnel are stationed in Nigeria following an official invitation from the Nigerian government. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about foreign military presence in African nations.
During an X Space session on Tuesday, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized that the U.S. military’s operations in Nigeria are grounded in mutual respect for Nigerian sovereignty and shared security interests. She highlighted that the collaboration is formalized through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.
Heyse stressed that the partnership is entirely voluntary and based on a bilateral agreement, not coercion. “Our cooperation with Nigeria is founded on respect for its independence. We operate solely at their request and within the agreed framework,” she stated.
She further noted that the U.S. remains committed to the partnership as long as it continues to address common security challenges and benefits both nations. “The U.S. will sustain its support for this collaboration as long as mutual security concerns persist and the framework remains advantageous for both sides,” Heyse explained.
This clarification aims to address any misconceptions about the nature of U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, reinforcing that it is a consensual and cooperative effort.