The Defence Headquarters in Abuja stated that the planned drawdown of more than 200 US personnel from Nigeria will not affect the enduring security partnership between the two countries. ^[1] Defence spokesperson Samaila Uba stated on Tuesday that Nigerian troops killed 1,487 terrorists and insurgents and rescued 777 kidnapped victims during nationwide military operations conducted between July and August. ^[2] Samaila Uba said the withdrawal of US personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of Nigeria's security cooperation with the United States. ^[3] Samaila Uba stated that the responsibility for the defence of Nigeria and the protection of its citizens rests primarily with Nigerian security forces. ^[4] Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information and a major general, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during the Joint Security News Briefing. ^[5] Samaila Uba disclosed that 7,062 security operations were conducted targeting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on communities across the country. ^[6] Samaila Uba reported that 93 security personnel and 249 civilians were killed during the period. ^[7] The operations were conducted in Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Katsina, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Oyo, and Kaduna states, among others. ^[8]