The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has stated that its military presence in Nigeria is based on an invitation from the Nigerian government and operates within a mutually agreed framework between both countries.
Speaking during an X Space discussion on Tuesday, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, said the partnership between the United States and Nigeria is founded on respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security interests.
According to Heyse, US military operations and cooperation in Nigeria are carried out only with the consent of the Nigerian government.
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are based on respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We only operate with their invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” she said.
She stressed that the relationship is voluntary and not imposed, noting that both countries collaborate based on mutual agreement.
Heyse further stated that the United States would continue to support the partnership for as long as it remains beneficial to both nations and addresses common security challenges.
“As long as there are common security concerns and the framework still helps both nations, the US will stay committed to the partnership,” she explained.
