Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola
The Defence Headquarters has said the withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel from Nigeria will not affect Nigeria’s security cooperation with the US.
While addressing journalists at the joint security spokespersons’ briefing, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. S. Uba, stated this on Tuesday, saying that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as a breakdown of the longstanding security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria-United States security partnership,” Uba said.
According to him, the relationship between both countries remains “strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial,” noting that the deployment of American personnel was linked to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives.
Giving reasons for the decision to draw down the personnel, Uba said it was part of the evolving nature of the engagement, noting that the cooperation was aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Nigerian military.
The defence spokesman said the partnership had continued to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats.
“Indeed, the Nigeria-United States partnership has continued to produce valuable outcomes in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats,” he said.
Uba urged the media and members of the public not to interpret the adjustment in the presence of foreign military personnel as an indication of weakening security cooperation or Nigeria’s defence capacity.
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