Nigeria Invites US Military, Says Heyse

Afghanistan Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that U.S. forces are operating in Nigeria only after receiving an invitation from the Nigerian government.

According to AFRICOM, the presence of U.S. troops in Nigeria is grounded in mutual respect for the country’s sovereignty and shared security interests, and is carried out under a formal agreement between the two nations.

Col. Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, made the remarks during a discussion on X Space on Tuesday.

She emphasized that the U.S. and Nigeria collaborate on a voluntary basis, not through coercion.

“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,” Heyse said.

Heyse added that the United States will continue to support the partnership as long as both countries find it beneficial.

“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.