The United States has confirmed that there were never any plans to establish a military base in Nigeria, dispelling rumors that emerged following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger.
During a briefing with journalists, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, Lead of the West Africa Coordination Element at U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), addressed speculation that Nigeria might be considered for a new U.S. military base due to its proximity to Niger, strategic location, and strong relationship with the U.S. However, he emphasized that no such discussions had ever taken place.
“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,” Ekman stated. He explained that while it might seem logical to consider Nigeria for a military base given the circumstances, the U.S. is not pursuing this option.
Instead, Ekman revealed that the U.S. has shifted its focus to an “outside-in” approach in the Sahel region, working with other West African nations such as Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Ghana, where small U.S. special operations teams have been deployed to provide advice, assistance, and training to local forces. “I think that big bases are just not right for the environment,” he added.
On the topic of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Niger, Ekman noted that the process was nearly complete, with all former U.S. facilities and equipment in Niger handed over to local authorities. He highlighted the careful and orderly nature of the withdrawal, ensuring that sensitive and lethal equipment was removed while other resources, such as buildings and infrastructure at Air Base 201 in Agadez, were left for the Nigerien military.
Ekman reiterated that the U.S. is committed to working closely with its West African partners but clarified that establishing large military bases in the region is not part of the current strategy.
