By YM Bina

The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has responded to media reports and public speculation suggesting a recent deployment or presence of United States troops in Nigeria.

The US reportedly dispatched a “small team” of troops to Nigeria following recent security cooperation between both countries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Samaila Uba, director of defense information, clarified that Nigeria and the US maintain a long-standing, structured security partnership built on mutual respect.

He said the cooperation centers on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue — all aimed at tackling shared threats such as terrorism and transnational organized crime.

“All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” the statement reads.

The clarification follows a recent