The US Africa Command has dismissed reports that American forces took over Nigeria and Benin’s airspace or carried out airstrikes, calling the claims untrue
AFRICOM Denies Claims of US Military Airstrikes in Nigeria, Benin
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that the US military took over the airspace of Nigeria and Benin Republic and carried out airstrikes against terrorist groups.
AFRICOM made the clarification on Thursday in response to an email enquiry seeking official reaction to the widely circulated report.
In a statement signed by Kelly Cahalan, spokesperson for US AFRICOM, the command categorically denied any direct military action in the region.
“Any reports that the U.S. military took over airspace and bombarded terrorists are not true. The U.S. military has not conducted any direct-action or airstrikes in the region,” Cahalan stated.
She, however, explained that at the direction of President Donald Trump and the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, AFRICOM continues to work with Nigeria and other regional partners to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation amid rising security threats.
“While we won’t discuss specific details on planning efforts or specific missions, our goal is to assist the Nigerian government in efforts to improve their operations against violent extremist organizations including ISIS, JNIM, and Boko Haram,” the statement added.
AFRICOM further stressed that all engagements with countries in the region are conducted transparently and with the full knowledge and consent of partner governments.
“We work closely with all of our partners in the region and conduct all activities with their knowledge and cooperation,” Cahalan noted.
The clarification follows a report published by an online news platform on December 13, which alleged that the US Air Force had occupied Nigerian and Beninese airspace and destroyed terrorists’ armories.
Quoting an unnamed American security expert, the report claimed US aircraft operated above the Babana border crossing, allegedly used by armed groups to smuggle supplies, and carried out massive reconnaissance and attacks against militants.
It further alleged that US forces did not use Nigerian airports, instead conducting surveillance and operations from Accra, Ghana, while targeting ISWAP-controlled areas in Borno State, near the fringes of Lake Chad.
AFRICOM’s response has now firmly debunked those claims, reaffirming that no US military airstrikes or direct combat operations have been conducted in Nigeria or Benin.
The command reiterated its commitment to regional security cooperation, capacity building, and support for African-led counterterrorism efforts without infringing on national sovereignty. Read More
