The Defence Headquarters has clarified that military training, intelligence sharing, and operational support provided to Nigeria by the United States come at no financial cost to the country.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known on Friday while briefing journalists on ongoing military operations against terrorists and other criminal elements for February 2026.
According to him, the assistance is being delivered through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) as part of a strategic collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity.
“The presence of US troops in Nigeria is about partnership. They are here to assist the Nigerian military with training, intelligence, and other needed support,” Onoja stated.
“It is the policy of the United States to fight terrorism globally. So their presence in Nigeria is at no cost. The training assistance is at no cost. The US government is only interested in combating terrorism.”
Addressing the recent surge in attacks and kidnappings in Adamawa State and parts of the North-West, Onoja dismissed suggestions of new terrorist infiltration. He attributed the incidents to insurgents relocating due to sustained pressure from Nigerian forces.
“It is not a fresh infiltration of terrorists in those areas. The truth is that with the US support we are getting and the pressure from our troops’ offensives, the terrorists are fleeing to new places and trying to show relevance,” he said.
He assured citizens that military offensives were being intensified nationwide.
“I assure you that attacks on the terrorists are being carried out by troops and the decimation of their activities is ongoing. At the end of the day, these terrorists will get tired, and we will smoke them out wherever they are.
“Though we sympathise with those who have lost loved ones in the hands of these terrorists, we are closing in on them. We are on top of the situation.”
On reports of some state governments negotiating peace agreements with armed groups, Onoja noted that while Nigeria operates a federal structure, such moves must involve national security authorities.
“Nigeria is a federation, and state governments, as federating units, have the right to enter into any agreement they wish. But they cannot do that without the knowledge of the National Security Adviser,” he explained.
The Defence Headquarters also responded to public concerns regarding the reintegration of former militants through the Operation Safe Corridor deradicalisation initiative, stating that authorities are reviewing the programme in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
What You Should Know
The Defence Headquarters says US military training and intelligence support to Nigeria is provided free of charge under America’s global counterterrorism policy through AFRICOM.
The military attributes recent attacks in parts of the country to terrorists fleeing intensified offensives rather than new infiltration.
Authorities also confirmed that any peace deals by state governments must involve national security leadership and that Operation Safe Corridor is under review.
