US counterterrorism support Nigeria sovereignty
The Defence Headquarters has stated that counterterrorism support from the United States comes at no financial cost to Nigeria and does not compromise the nation’s sovereignty. The clarification follows public concerns over the nature and terms of foreign military cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In a statement issued by military authorities, the DHQ explained that the partnership focuses on intelligence sharing, training and technical assistance aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat insurgency and other security threats. It stressed that there are no hidden conditions attached to the collaboration and that all engagements respect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and command structure.
The military leadership noted that international cooperation is common in global counterterrorism efforts. It added that Nigeria retains full operational control over its security operations, while benefiting from strategic support designed to enhance professionalism and effectiveness within the armed forces.
Officials also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests in all bilateral and multilateral agreements. They urged the public to disregard claims suggesting that the partnership undermines Nigeria’s independence or places undue influence on its military operations.
Security analysts say such partnerships are often based on mutual interests, especially in regions facing transnational threats. They argue that improved intelligence and technical resources can boost Nigeria’s efforts against extremist groups without altering the country’s sovereign decision-making authority.
The Defence Headquarters maintained that transparency and accountability remain central to its engagements with foreign partners. It assured citizens that the fight against terrorism will continue to be driven by Nigeria’s strategic priorities and constitutional mandate.
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