The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has addressed recent reports regarding the withdrawal of approximately 200 U.S. military personnel, emphasizing that the adjustment does not signal a breakdown in bilateral security relations. Speaking on Tuesday at a security briefing hosted by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba explained that American deployments are tied to specific missions and operational goals rather than an indefinite presence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification follows a New York Times report regarding the planned drawdown, which echoed prior statements made in July by U.S. Africa Command commander General Dagvin Anderson confirming that a significant portion of forces had already pulled back while maintaining core intelligence and partnership ties. Major General Uba stressed that the Nigeria-U.S. defense alliance remains enduring and mutually beneficial, with critical pillars like intelligence sharing, professional training, and technical assistance remaining fully intact.

While reaffirming that domestic security remains the primary duty of Nigerian security agencies, the DHQ urged both the media and the public to refrain from viewing routine, mission-driven adjustments as an indicator of compromised national defense capabilities or failing international cooperation.

Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old vice president within Bank of America’s business selection and conflicts unit, tragically lost her life following a violent stabbing attack in New York City’s Times Square, an incident that also resulted in injuries to another individual. Professional records on her LinkedIn profile establish her executive standing as a vice president at the financial institution, which maintains a major Manhattan presence nearby at One Bryant Park.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Super Eagles are set to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign at home, facing Madagascar on Wednesday, September 23, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Eric Chelle’s squad will aim to secure a strong start in their opening Group fixture before traveling to Morocco four days later for a challenging away match against Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, September 27. Tanzania completes this four-team group, and with three AFCON titles and a third-place finish in the last tournament hosted by Morocco, Nigeria enters the qualifiers as firm favorites to top the group. The team’s last competitive outing was an international friendly against Portugal back in June.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In other national team news, Nigeria’s Falconets have wrapped up their warm-up schedule for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, playing to a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic on Tuesday. Mary Mamudu continued her goal-scoring streak, finding the net in the 29th minute to give Nigeria the lead, following up on her goal against Poland in their previous friendly. However, Korea Republic leveled the score with a penalty kick 12 minutes before the final whistle, ending the match in a stalemate. Head coach Moses Aduku’s team will now shift focus to the World Cup, opening their Group F campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, at the Arena Sosnowiec. They will face China at the same venue three days later on Thursday, September 10, before concluding the group stage against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.