The Director of Defence Media Operations, General Michael Onoja, has dismissed concerns over the presence of American military personnel in Nigeria, clarifying that their role is strictly limited to training and capacity building.
​Speaking at a monthly media briefing in Abuja, General Onoja emphasized that the partnership with the United States is a strategic “value addition” intended to bolster Nigeria’s national security and does not compromise the country’s territorial integrity or sovereignty.
​U.S. Military Presence and Sovereignty
​Addressing public apprehension regarding the number of foreign personnel in the country, the General urged Nigerians to focus on the operational benefits rather than troop counts. He noted that the cooperation is at no cost to the Federal Government, as it aligns with the U.S. policy of pursuing global counter-terrorism to secure its own national interests.
​”Nobody is giving away our sovereignty,” General Onoja stated. “The American government is offering us training… it is just a training program. We go for training abroad all the time; it is a matter of mutual respect.”
​Terrorist Tactics and “Soft Targets”
​The General also addressed recent security incidents, specifically dismissing claims of a “resurgence” or “infiltration” of terrorists in areas like the Michika Local Government Area. He argued that recent attacks on “soft targets” are actually a sign of desperation caused by the increased pressure from Nigerian-U.S. military cooperation.
​”When you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets,” he explained. “It is not a case of resurgence. Significant work, attacks, and decimation of the terrorists are ongoing. We will make sure we smoke them out from wherever they are.”
​General Onoja confirmed that the Theater Commander and relevant security chiefs are managing the situation and promised visible results in the “next couple of days.” He also expressed sympathy for the 27 victims of recent violence.
​A Call for Media Responsibility
​In a direct appeal to the press, General Onoja cautioned against providing terrorists with the “oxygen of broadcasting.” While acknowledging that incidents must be reported, he urged journalists to adopt a “national interest perspective” and be more modest in their coverage to avoid causing widespread panic.
​”Terrorists need the oxygen of broadcasting their activities,” the General said. “We should be more modest in reporting so they will not achieve what they want to achieve, which is to cause panic within the society.”
