The Digest:
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the ongoing military partnership with the United States comes at no financial cost to Nigeria and does not compromise the country's sovereignty. Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, stated during a press briefing that the US assistance focuses on training Nigerian troops and strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, similar to arrangements where Nigerian personnel train abroad. He emphasized that Nigeria's territorial integrity remains intact, with theatre commanders and security chiefs fully engaged in operations. The clarification follows the recent deployment of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment to Bauchi airfield, based on a formal Nigerian government request for training, technical support, and intelligence sharing.
Key Points:
- The assurance seeks to address public concerns about foreign military presence and potential sovereignty erosion.
- The partnership is framed as a collaborative, mutually beneficial arrangement rather than a unilateral intervention.
- It underscores Nigeria's active role in seeking and shaping international security assistance.
- The focus on training and intelligence suggests a long-term capacity-building objective.
- The official communication aims to preempt misinformation and build public confidence in the partnership.
Sources: Defence Headquarters Press Briefing
