Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says United States troops in Nigeria are purely on a “training assistance” while playing an “advisory role”.
In a statement, Timothy Antigha, special adviser on media to the minister, relayed that 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.
