The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has debunked reports claiming that the US military took control of the airspaces of Nigeria and the Benin Republic, describing the allegations as false.
AFRICOM made the clarification on Thursday, December 18, in response to an email inquiry seeking its official position on the reports. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kelly Cahalan, the command denied carrying out airstrikes or any form of direct military action in the region.
According to Cahalan, reports suggesting that the US military took over regional airspace and bombarded terrorists are untrue, stressing that no such operations have been conducted.
She, however, confirmed that the United States continues to work with Nigeria and other regional partners to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, in line with directives from President Donald Trump and US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
Cahalan explained that while specific operational details would not be disclosed, the objective is to support the Nigerian government in improving its efforts against violent extremist groups, including ISIS, JNIM and Boko Haram.
She further noted that all US military activities in the region are carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of partner nations.
The clarification followed an online report published on December 13, which alleged that the US Air Force had taken over the airspace of Nigeria and Benin Republic and destroyed terrorists’ armouries. The report also claimed that US aircraft were conducting operations around the Babana crossing, an area reportedly used by armed groups to smuggle supplies.
AFRICOM’s response firmly rejected the claims, reiterating that there has been no airspace takeover or bombing campaign in Nigeria or the Benin Republic.