Military confirms presence of US troops in Nigeria

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters(DHQ), has finally confirmed the presence  of United States troops  on ground in Nigeria.

The confirmation is coming after weeks of speculations and denial by the Defence Headquarters over the presence of US troops in Nigeria as announced by the head of US  African commander Gen Dagvin Anderson.

Anderson, had at  a media briefing hinted about the presence of a small

US team in Nigeria, he did not disclose the size or specific role of the team but said it would support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Daily Sun gathered reliably that the troops who arrived the country about two weeks ago are  not in anyway engaged in combat capacity or assume direct operational role.

A military source who does not want to be mentioned in print told Daily Sun, that the US troops,” are not going to be deployed to the field as fighters because that is not why they are in Nigeria.”,adding  that Nigerian forces would continue to retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and lead all missions on the nations sovereign territory.

Confirming the presence of the US troops in Nigerian to Daily Sun in an exclusive interview, the Director Defence Information,Major General Samaila Uba, said the US forces in the country was at the request  and invitation of the Government of Nigeria, and consistent with the recommendations of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group.

The Defence spokesman, however, refused to speak further on the number of troops on ground and where they are serving for what he described as operational security reasons.

Responding to Daily Sun question  to confirm if the United States has deployed combat troops to Nigeria, Gen. Uba, said: “At the request and invitation of the Government of Nigeria, and consistent with the recommendations of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, the United States has deployed  technical and training service members to provide advisory support at various locations across Nigeria.

“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role.

“Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on our sovereign territory.

“For emphasis, US troops will not have direct combat and operational roles”.