The United States Africa Command has officially denied recent reports alleging that American military forces conducted airstrikes and took control of airspace along the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Official Denial from AFRICOM Spokesperson
In a clear statement issued on Thursday, December 18, AFRICOM spokesperson Kelly Cahalan labeled the claims as completely false. The command was responding to an email inquiry seeking its official position on the circulating reports. Cahalan explicitly stated that the U.S. military has not conducted any direct action or airstrikes in the region. She emphasized that reports of the US taking over airspace and bombarding terrorists are not true.
Origin of the False Claims and AFRICOM's Clarification
The need for clarification arose from a report published by an online news platform on December 13. That report, citing an American security expert, claimed that the US Air Force had occupied Nigerian and Beninese airspace, destroyed terrorist armouries, and increased reconnaissance. It specifically mentioned operations above the Babana crossing, an area known for smuggling activities by armed groups. The report further alleged that major attacks were launched from outside Nigeria without using local airports.
AFRICOM's response categorically refuted all these assertions, stressing that no such airspace takeover or bombing campaign occurred.
Focus on Partnership and Counterterrorism Support
While dismissing the specific attack claims, AFRICOM confirmed its ongoing collaborative efforts in the region. Cahalan noted that the command is working with Nigeria and other regional partners to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation. This follows directives from President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
"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," Cahalan explained.
She reinforced that all U.S. military activities are conducted with full transparency and cooperation. "We work closely with all of our partners in the region and conduct all activities with their knowledge and cooperation," she added, underscoring the partnership-based approach.
The swift denial aims to correct the record and reaffirm the nature of the US security relationship with Nigeria and its neighbours, which is framed as supportive and consultative rather than unilateral.
