By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully in control of all military operations conducted within the country’s territory, despite the presence of United States troops.
Musa clarified that the American personnel currently in the country are present strictly to provide training assistance and serve in an advisory capacity.
The minister made this known during the maiden edition of the Monthly Operational Briefing held at the Ministry of Defence conference room in Abuja on Wednesday. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Timothy Antigha.
According to Musa, the role of the U.S. troops does not involve direct operational control. He emphasized that Nigerian military authorities remain responsible for all security operations within the nation.
“The Americans are in Nigeria on a purely training assistance and advisory role,” Musa said, assuring that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to command all operations carried out within the country.
During the briefing, the defence minister also reviewed ongoing military operations across the country, assessed emerging security threats, and provided strategic guidance to the armed services.
He commended Nigerian troops for their professionalism, resilience, and gallantry in tackling security challenges and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving troop welfare and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.
The development follows the recent deployment of United States troops to Nigeria after both countries strengthened military cooperation. The partnership came after the U.S. government under Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
