The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says that the planned withdrawal of over 200 US personnel from Nigeria will not harm the strong security ties between the two countries.
Major General Samaila Uba, who is the Director of Defence Information, gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abuja. He spoke during the Joint Security News Briefing while answering questions.
Mr Uba explained that this withdrawal should not be seen as a breakdown or end of Nigeria's security partnership with the United States. He stated, "The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring and mutually beneficial."
He mentioned that the presence of US personnel in Nigeria is linked to specific military and counter-terrorism goals. So, the drawdown is a normal part of how the engagement evolves.
He said that cooperation in intelligence, training, and sharing of information will keep going, despite the changes in the number of US troops here. "The responsibility for the defence of Nigeria and the protection of its citizens rests primarily with Nigerian security forces," Mr Uba added.
He highlighted that the partnership with the US aims to boost Nigeria's abilities through sharing intelligence, training, and technical help. He noted that when both countries decide more action is needed, including joint operations, they will carry them out.
Mr Uba said this partnership has led to positive results in the fight against terrorism and other security threats that cross borders. He urged the media and Nigerians not to see normal changes in foreign military deployments as signs of a failure in security cooperation or Nigeria's ability to defend itself.
On military operations, Mr Uba stated that the main job of the military is to conduct kinetic operations against terrorists and other armed groups that threaten Nigerians. "Our major job is kinetic operations. As much as possible, we want to take down all the terrorists in Nigeria, or anybody who takes up arms against citizens," he said.
He also mentioned that the military will continue to support non-kinetic efforts as part of a whole-of-society and whole-of-nation approach to dealing with insecurity. He stressed that this support would not mean that the military would engage in talks with terrorists or pay ransoms.
Mr Uba clarified that some of these non-kinetic initiatives are led by the states, with the military providing necessary support. He emphasized that this distinction is crucial because the police are the main agency for internal security, while the military assists the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the Armed Forces remain committed to defeating armed criminal groups while also working on broader national efforts to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
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