The United States government has clarified that it is not intending to establish a military base in Nigeria. Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), West Africa Coordination Element Lead, Department of Defence, emphasized during a media roundtable that there are no plans for a U.S. base in Nigeria, despite concerns and speculations.

Eman highlighted the importance of regional security and praised Nigeria’s capable military and leadership in West Africa. He confirmed that no discussions had taken place between the U.S. and Nigerian authorities regarding the establishment of a military base, following the U.S. withdrawal from Niger.

AFRICOM and the Department of Defence continue to support democracy, government, and human rights in Africa, along with trade, investment, and security cooperation. Both U.S. and African partners work together to achieve shared objectives through training, security assistance, and exercises.

The U.S. chargé d’affaires in Nigeria and Minister of Information have also denied any plans for a U.S. military base in Nigeria, reaffirming the commitment to strong security cooperation and partnerships.