Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defence, says the presence of United States troops in the country is strictly for training and advisory purposes.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Wednesday during the maiden edition of the Monthly Operational Briefing at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the minister assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully in charge of all military operations conducted within the country.
“They are in Nigeria purely for training assistance and advisory role,” Musa said, adding that Nigerian forces would retain operational control.
The clarification follows confirmation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on February 16 that about 100 United States military personnel and related equipment had arrived at the Bauchi Airfield.
According to the DHQ, the personnel are technical specialists deployed strictly in an advisory and training capacity rather than as combat forces.
“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the military said.
During the briefing, Musa also highlighted several threats to national security and urged the chief of defence staff and service chiefs to intensify efforts and adopt new strategies to combat terrorism, insurgency and banditry across the country.
He commended the professionalism and resilience of Nigerian troops, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to improving the welfare of personnel and strengthening the operational efficiency of the armed forces.
In a statement, Timothy Antigha, special adviser on media to the defence minister, said the briefing provided an opportunity for Musa to review ongoing military operations and offer strategic guidance to the armed services.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to remain resolute in the fight against criminal elements.
Shaibu called on the troops to sustain pressure on individuals and groups responsible for violence and criminal activities, stressing that security forces must decisively confront threats to peace and stability regardless of the perpetrators’ status or influence.
He also commended troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke for their efforts in restoring security across affected communities in Benue State.
According to the army chief, the operation remains strategically important to the country’s security architecture, and recent gains must be consolidated through intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency cooperation and sustained engagement with local communities.
Shaibu added that the safe return of internally displaced persons in some areas reflects the operational effectiveness and commitment of the troops.
