U.S. Dismisses Plans For Military Base In Nigeria, Says AFRICOM Leader

The United States government has firmly denied any plans to establish a military base in Nigeria. Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Ekman, Lead for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) West Africa Coordination Element, made this clear during a media roundtable in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking to journalists, Ekman addressed widespread speculations about a potential U.S. base in Nigeria, following the recent U.S. military withdrawal from Niger.

“I want to tell you upfront that there are no plans for a U.S. base here in Nigeria,” Ekman stated. He explained that no discussions had taken place between U.S. and Nigerian authorities regarding such a development. “I’m not surprised by the speculation, but there is no basis for it,” he added.

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Ekman also underscored the United States’ commitment to regional security through cooperation with local forces, emphasizing that the U.S. does not operate unilaterally in the region. “We support partner-led, U.S.-enabled operations,” he said, adding that AFRICOM’s role in West Africa focuses on training, joint exercises, and security cooperation.

David Greene, U.S. chargé d’affaires in Nigeria, had similarly dismissed the rumors in May, reaffirming that no discussions on a military base had taken place. Greene stressed the ongoing security partnership between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, also refuted claims of a foreign military base, stating that the Nigerian government is not in talks with any foreign power on the matter. “We continue to rely on existing international cooperation to address security challenges,” he noted, reiterating Nigeria’s focus on national security goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.