The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that military training, intelligence, and operational support provided to Nigeria by the United States is offered at no cost, in line with Washington’s global policy to combat terrorism.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known on Friday while briefing journalists on military operations against terrorists and other criminal elements in February 2026.

According to him, the assistance is being delivered through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) as part of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

“The presence of US troops in Nigeria is about partnership. They are here to assist the Nigerian military with training, intelligence, and other needed support,” Onoja said.

“It is the policy of the United States to fight terrorism globally. So their presence in Nigeria is at no cost. The training assistance is at no cost. The US government is only interested in combating terrorism.”

Commenting on the recent upsurge in terrorist attacks and kidnappings in Adamawa State and parts of the North-West, Onoja said the incidents were not due to fresh infiltration but rather terrorists fleeing sustained military offensives.

“It is not a fresh infiltration of terrorists in those areas. The truth is that with the US support we are getting and the pressure from our troops’ offensives, the terrorists are fleeing to new places and trying to show relevance,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that military operations were intensifying.

“I assure you that attacks on the terrorists are being carried out by troops and the decimation of their activities is ongoing. At the end of the day, these terrorists will get tired, and we will smoke them out wherever they are.

“Though we sympathise with those who have lost loved ones in the hands of these terrorists, we are closing in on them. We are on top of the situation.”

On the practice of some state governments negotiating or signing peace deals with armed groups, Onoja noted that while Nigeria operates a federal system, such actions must involve national security authorities.

“Nigeria is a federation, and state governments, as federating units, have the right to enter into any agreement they wish. But they cannot do that without the knowledge of the National Security Adviser,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters also acknowledged public concerns about the activities of some repentant militants who passed through the Operation Safe Corridor deradicalisation programme.

Onoja said military authorities and relevant stakeholders were working to review the programme, noting that officials were aware of Nigerians’ concerns and were taking steps to address them.