Reports that the United States (US) military took over the airspaces of Nigeria and Benin Republic are untrue, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said on Thursday.

It gave the clarification while responding to an email seeking official reaction to the issue by our reporter.

Spokesperson for US AFRICOM, Kelly Cahalan, who signed the email, said 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.”

It however noted that the AFRICOM, at the direction of President Donald Trump, and the Secretary of War (Pete Hegseth), was working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperations and efforts related to on-going violence and 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.

“We work closely with all of our partners in the region and conduct all activities with their knowledge and cooperation.”

A report published by an online news site on December 13, claimed that the US Air Force occupied both West African countries’ airspace and destroyed terrorists’ armory.

Quoting an American security expert, the report specifically claimed that the aircraft was operating above the Babana crossing used by armed groups for smuggling supplies.

It claimed that that the US troops didn’t use the Nigerian airport but stepped up reconnaissance and massive attack against militants.

“The United States resumes ISR missions today in Nigeria, targeting ISWAP zones of influence in Borno State, northeast Nigeria, on the fringes of Lake Chad. It took off from Accra, Ghana. Still not using a Nigerian airport.” (The Nation, but headline rejigged)

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