The United States government has refuted claims that it has plans to establish a military base in Nigeria following the withdrawal of American troops from the Niger Republic, News About Nigeria reports.
The element lead, Coordination, US Africa Command, Department of Defence West Africa, Major General Kenneth Eckman, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that although it is a popular concern, the US forces come with costs and benefits, depending on the context, but it won’t establish a base in the country.
He stated, “There are no plans for a U.S. base here in Nigeria. I recognise it is a popular concern. I recognize that the presence of U.S. forces comes but I just want to reassure you that there are no plans.
“I am aware of no discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on placing a U.S. base in Nigeria as a result of the Niger withdrawal. I want to be perfectly clear on that. However, the problem we’re trying to solve is Sahelian-based violent extremism, and if the U.S. is not functioning in Niger, the question is then where should we be?
“That’s what led us to an outside-in approach relative to the Sahel. And then anytime you talk about outside-in, the important question is what is Nigeria’s role, given the strength of the nation, given the closeness of our partnership. So it’s a very natural question. And I’m not surprised that some people assumed that there were discussions going on about this.
“As military strategists, we talk about key terrain. And right now the key terrain dealing with ISIS-Sahel and with JNIM is in the tri-border region that includes the western part of Niger and also Burkina Faso. That terrain is very important. Just ask our Burkinabe partners. That partnership, as you know, has waned.”
