Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has publicly urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to clarify reports that United States military personnel are operating within Nigeria’s borders, expressing concern about potential implications for national sovereignty and the safety of Muslim leaders. The call comes amid debates over evolving Nigeria‑U.S. security cooperation and recent confirmation of U.S. military engagement in the country.
In a statement circulated to media outlets, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, said the organisation is disturbed by what it described as the “secrecy” surrounding the reported deployment of American troops and the lack of clear information from Nigerian authorities. MURIC questioned the rationale behind the alleged presence of U.S. forces, particularly perceptions that their mission might prioritise the protection of specific religious groups in a country where insecurity affects all communities. The organisation also called on Nigerian leaders to assert control over the nation’s security agenda and ensure decisions reflect national interests rather than external priorities.
MURIC’s statement highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty and the potential impact on Muslim leaders and communities, asserting that transparency is necessary to reassure citizens that any foreign military engagement is lawful, consensual and aligned with Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The group said it welcomes cooperation in the fight against terrorism but pressed for clearer official communication on the nature and scope of any foreign military presence.
The context for MURIC’s demand includes recent reporting that a small U.S. military team has been deployed to Nigeria to assist with counter‑terrorism efforts, particularly in response to ongoing threats from armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). U.S. Africa Command publicly acknowledged the deployment and described it as part of enhanced bilateral collaboration, though details about the team’s operational role, size and specific activities remain limited. This cooperation follows high‑level engagements between U.S. and Nigerian officials aimed at strengthening security ties.
At the same time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria has issued its own clarification, stating that there is no full‑scale deployment of U.S. combat troops in the country and emphasising that existing cooperation with the United States focuses on areas such as capacity building, intelligence sharing, logistics support and professional military education. DHQ underscored that all engagements are conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and within established bilateral frameworks.
The contrasting narratives — MURIC’s concerns over foreign personnel on Nigerian soil versus official assertions that Nigeria remains in control of its security partnerships — reflect broader debates about foreign involvement in domestic security matters. Civil society groups and commentators have raised questions about transparency and accountability in international cooperation, particularly when it involves military or paramilitary elements.
The issue has resonated in public discourse more broadly, with references to past and present U.S. actions connected to Nigeria. In late 2025, the U.S. carried out air strikes against Islamic State‑linked militants in northern Nigeria, actions that were confirmed by both American and Nigerian defence officials as part of collaborative counter‑terrorism operations rather than unilateral intervention. These strikes and related cooperation have contributed to discussions about how external support can coexist with Nigerian command and oversight of security operations.
Nigeria’s designation by the U.S. as a “Country of Particular Concern” over concerns about religious freedom has also intensified dialogue on the nature and limits of foreign involvement, with Nigerian authorities rejecting claims of systemic religious persecution and framing cooperation in terms of shared security objectives.
MURIC’s call for clear government communication underscores a continuing need for official articulation of the terms and extent of foreign military engagement, particularly when such cooperation touches on sensitive issues of national sovereignty, constitutional authority and the perception of religious neutrality. As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, transparency and public engagement are likely to remain central to building broad consensus around international partnerships and their implications for national autonomy.
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