Nigeria Defence Minister Musa Speaks On US Military In Nigeria, Reveals Who Is In Operational Control
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian military will be in control of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory.
Musa stated this while speaking on the presence of American troops in the country.
He explained that the United States troops in Nigeria are purely on a “training assistance” while playing an “advisory role”.
The minister disclosed this in a statement by his special adviser on media, Timothy Antigha.
Musa spoke while presiding over the maiden edition of the ‘Monthly Operational Briefing’ at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja on Wednesday.
“The Americans are in Nigeria on a purely training assistance and advisory role,” Musa was quoted as saying, while assuring that the “armed forces of Nigeria will be in command of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory”.
The minister reviewed ongoing military operations, highlighted various threats to national security, and provided “strategic guidance to the armed services”.
“General Musa commended the professionalism, resilience, and gallantry of Nigerian troops and reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to supporting troops’ welfare and improving the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces,” Antigha said.
In February, the United States dispatched ground troops to Nigeria following a new security cooperation between both countries.
The US and Nigeria inked a military collaboration agreement following the redesignation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ (CPC) by President Donald Trump.
