A Nigerian investigative journalist has alleged that the United States has secured its long-sought military base in Nigeria, a claim emerging amid confirmed deployments of U.S. troops under a new bilateral security pact.
The allegation was made by David Hundeyin on social media platform X, following a statement by U.S. Congressman Alex Moore. Moore clarified that his efforts regarding Nigeria focus on protecting Christians from violence, not partitioning the country. He stated that the U.S. and Nigeria “have just entered into a security cooperation agreement,” calling it a key step to address insecurity.
Hundeyin interpreted Moore’s remarks as confirmation that the U.S. achieved its primary objective. “They have finally got their long-desired U.S. military base in Nigeria, so job done,” Hundeyin wrote.
The deployment of U.S. forces has been acknowledged by both nations. Dagvin Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed American troops are now in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, subsequently clarified that these personnel are not combatants but are present for training and advisory roles under the new cooperation framework.
This development marks a significant shift in bilateral relations. In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues, straining ties. Furthermore, U.S. forces conducted a strike in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria, in December 2025. Recent weeks, however, have seen a diplomatic thaw culminating in the formalized military collaboration.
The reported agreement and troop deployment provide context for Hundeyin’s claim of a permanent base. While official statements describe a limited, advisory mission, the scale and duration of the new security cooperation agreement remain undefined. This evolution tests Nigeria’s historical stance of non-alignment and raises questions about the future scope of American military presence in West Africa, a region facing persistent threats from extremist groups. The situation highlights the intersection of security partnerships, sovereignty concerns, and geopolitical strategy in U.S.-Nigeria relations.
