US support: We retain command of operations – Nigerian military

By Lawrence Agbo

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), Minister of Defence, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Armed Forces will maintain full control of all military activities within the nation, despite the presence of US troops offering advice, training, and surveillance support.

General Musa revealed the information during the first-ever monthly operational briefing at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja. Senior intelligence and operational officials, service chiefs, Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, and Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, all attended the meeting.

When discussing US AFRICOM’s involvement in Nigeria, the Defence Minister stressed that Nigerian commanders retain operational responsibility over all missions, and American forces are only there to offer training and advisory support.

According to Colonel Timothy Antigha (Rtd), the Defence Minister’s Special Advisor on Media, the briefing emphasised the necessity of more effective tactics against banditry, terrorism, and insurgency. He continued by saying that General Musa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare and operational efficacy of Nigerian troops and commended their devotion.

“The briefing allowed the Minister to assess ongoing operations, provide strategic guidance, and ensure that Nigeria’s security forces remain in full control of domestic military operations,” the statement added.

The Defence Minister’s explanation is in line with the public’s growing curiosity about foreign troops’ presence in Nigeria, especially with regard to the extent of their involvement in security operations.