The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Phillip Agbese, has affirmed that the deployment of US troops to Nigeria serves the nation’s strategic interest in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes.

Agbese, who spoke to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, described the arrival of 100 American soldiers in Bauchi State as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the country’s ability to protect its citizens.

Agbese explained that the US personnel are in the country to train Nigerian forces and provide intelligence support against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as criminal gangs terrorising local communities.

He said the collaboration underscores Nigeria’s growing credibility on the global stage.

“For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is engaging a major global power like the United States from a position of strategic clarity and mutual respect,” Agbese stated, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for repositioning the nation’s security architecture and forging strong international alliances.

Highlighting the Christmas Day precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, approved by President Tinubu, Agbese said Nigeria has shown its determination to eliminate safe havens for terrorists.

The lawmaker emphasised that the partnership is practical, not symbolic, and enhances intelligence gathering, technical capacity, and the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He praised the leadership of the new Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for improving coordination, morale, and readiness among troops.

He singled out the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for ensuring effective coordination between ground and air operations, resulting in significant successes against insurgents and bandits.

Agbese also commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, for their contributions to maritime security and intelligence operations.

Addressing concerns that the US troop presence might undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, Agbese clarified that the deployment was requested by the Nigerian government and aligns with national interest.

“This collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities that strengthen our ability to detect, deter, and decisively neutralise terrorist elements across their cells,” he said.

He described the Nigeria–US security partnership as a reflection of proactive diplomacy and results-driven governance under President Tinubu. “Those financing and aiding terrorism, whether locally or internationally, must understand that the space for impunity is rapidly shrinking,” Agbese added.

Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, kidnappings, and separatist agitations.

The arrival of US troops is expected to enhance the country’s ability to protect vulnerable communities and deter future threats.