The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the United States is providing military support to Nigeria at no cost as part of efforts to combat terrorism.
The Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known yesterday, while briefing journalists on security operations conducted in February 2026, disclosed that the US is offering training, intelligence and other operational assistance to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
Onoja explained that the support is being channelled through the United States Africa Command under a partnership arrangement.
“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”, he said.
He added that the assistance comes without financial obligation to Nigeria. “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”, Onoja stated.
The Defence spokesman also responded to the recent surge in attacks and kidnappings in Adamawa State and parts of the North-West region.
Onoja dismissed suggestions that new terrorist groups had emerged in the affected areas, assuring Nigerians that troops were intensifying operations against armed groups. “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”, he said.
The Defence spokesman added that while the military sympathises with families who have lost loved ones, security forces are closing in on those responsible.
On reports that some state governments were negotiating with armed groups, he emphasised that while Nigeria operates a federal system, such engagements must involve the appropriate federal authorities.
The Defence Headquarters also acknowledged public concerns regarding some former militants who underwent the Operation Safe Corridor deradicalisation programme.
According to Onoja, authorities are collaborating with relevant stakeholders to review the programme and address Nigerians’ concerns. He assured that necessary steps were being taken to ensure that the programme achieves its intended objectives without compromising national security.
