AFRICOM confirms US military in Nigeria operates by invitation only, not force

AFRICOM stated Tuesday that US military presence in Nigeria exists solely because Nigeria invited it, emphasizing operations require Nigerian consent and respect for sovereignty. Col Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM's Public Affairs Director, said during an X Space discussion that the partnership is voluntary and based on mutual agreement, not coercion. She noted US-Nigeria cooperation continues only while both nations find it helpful for shared security concerns, operating under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework. Heyse added the US will maintain support as long as common security interests persist and the arrangement benefits both countries.

This clarifies a key aspect of Nigeria's foreign military relations amid regional counter-terrorism efforts. Understanding that presence is invitation-based affects public perception of national sovereignty and security partnerships. The statement comes as Nigeria faces security challenges in Northeast and Northwest regions where US collaboration has been reported.

For Nigerians assessing foreign military presence on Nigerian soil, this affirms that any US operations require explicit Nigerian consent under established frameworks. It raises questions about what specific invitations have been extended, which agreements govern current activities, and how citizens can verify that sovereignty is truly respected in practice. Will you seek details on the actual Joint Working Group agreements, or consider what conditions would make such partnerships beneficial or concerning for Nigeria's security autonomy?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/11/nigeria-invited-us-military-heyse-reveals/