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US Troops in Nigeria for Training and Advice Only, Defence Minister Clarifies

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By Achile Danjuma

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has moved to alleviate concerns regarding the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria, stating unequivocally that they are in the country “purely for training assistance and advisory role.”

Gen. Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would retain full command and control over all military operations conducted within the nation’s territory. He made this clarification while presiding over the maiden edition of the newly introduced Monthly Operational Briefing at the Ministry of Defence.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield on February 16, 2026. At the time, the DHQ emphasized that the deployed personnel were technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity, not as combat forces. It further stressed that “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.”

During the briefing, the Minister provided strategic guidance to the military high command. He outlined the multifaceted threats to national security and urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to intensify their efforts. He called for the development and implementation of new, decisive strategies to ensure the timely eradication of terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

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Gen. Musa commended the troops for their “professionalism, resilience, and gallantry” in the face of these challenges. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to improving troop welfare and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.

In a statement released after the event, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Col. Timothy Antigha (rtd), noted that the new monthly briefing is designed to provide a platform for reviewing ongoing operations and ensuring cohesive strategic direction across all services.

In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to remain “dogged and relentless” in their efforts to combat violence and criminality. He directed them to deal decisively with any individual or group threatening peace and stability, “irrespective of status, influence or affiliation.”

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu commended the troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) for their resilience and steadfast commitment to restoring security in affected communities across Benue State. He highlighted the strategic importance of OPWS within the broader national security framework.

The COAS stressed the need to consolidate recent gains through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency synergy, and sustained community engagement. He reminded the troops that operational success must be matched with professionalism and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, in line with international best practices.

Acknowledging their sacrifices, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu noted that the troops’ perseverance has not only degraded criminal networks but has also created a more secure environment conducive to socio-economic activities. He described the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities as a clear testament to their operational effectiveness and unwavering resolve.

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Governor Yusuf Sacks Sagagi as Kano Commissioner Of Commerce

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi of his appointment as Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the former Commissioner is directed to hand over the affairs of the ministry to the Director Commerce with immediate effect.

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Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for the services rendered by the former commissioner during his tenure.

He acknowledged Sagagi’s contributions to the development of the state, particularly in the areas of politics, religion, small and medium enterprises.

The Governor wished him success in his future endeavours as he reassured the public of his administration’s continued commitment to efficient service delivery and good governance in the state.

This decision is part of the ongoing strategic realighment of government structures for systematic growth and sustainable development.

 

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Terrorist Logistics Suppliers Apprehended in Borno

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have apprehended 18 suspected logistics suppliers allegedly enroute Gubio, with plans to proceed to the Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram terrorists, BHTs, enclave.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have apprehended 18 suspected logistics suppliers allegedly enroute Gubio, with plans to proceed to the Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram terrorists, BHTs, enclave.

This is contained in a daily operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.

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The military said the suspects were intercepted while travelling towards the location to deliver the goods to the terrorists.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that all 18 suspects confessed to engaging in the supply of goods to the terrorist group.

“They admitted that they routinely purchase and convey items to the terrorists.

“Their justification was lack of employment, which points to a deeper socio-economic challenge in Maiduguri and its environs,” the army said.

The development, according to the reportt, validates recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff on the link between economic hardship and the sustenance of insurgency logistics networks.

“The arrest highlights the critical role of civilian collaborators in sustaining terrorist operations, particularly in remote areas such as Gubio and Gudumbali,” it added.

The army called for a comprehensive approach combining military operations with economic empowerment and job creation to address the root causes of insurgency in the region.

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Kano Gov’t  Offers Study Scholarship to SWAN Members

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

Kano state government has  facilitated and supported   members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Kano chapter  to proceed to pursue professional certification courses  in sports journalism, our correspondent reports .

The Special  Adviser , youths and sports to Kano state governor, Sani Musa Danja, disclosed that the offer covers their tuition fees.

He said ,   the beneficiaries  have been identified and their enrolment process have been completed.

According to him,  through interactions with stakeholders , the decision was reached for  some sports writers, who  are faced with the challenge of acquiring the required professional qualification to practice their trade should be given support to fill the gap.

said, findings have revealed that , for Kano sports writers to compete favorably there exists the urgent need to empower members of the association  to acquire certain requisite qualification to enable them feature amongst the best in Nigeria and beyond.

Danja speaking, when he hosted SWAN members in his  office , located within the premises of Kano state Library Complex, along Ahmadu Bello Way said that  the state government, under Abba Kabir Yusuf ,  on discovering this major   challenge , acted swiftly to address the lapses, by offering  to sponsor 10 SWAN  members to pursue professional diploma in Sports Journalism at El Roi London University.

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In his word  “ we give thanks to almighty Allah for his mercies, I want to thank our mentor and leader, his excellency governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf , who made this possible.

“his excellency takes the issue of empowering our people very seriously, the challenge facing our sports journalists is principally the issue of professional certification, some of our sports journalists have their degrees in other fields, but we are aware that, they also require to obtain certain  minimum qualification in journalism or other related fields to help them to excel .

“in line with the policy of the government of his excellency, we have moved in to make sure , these sons and daughter of Kano overcome  this hinderance that may hinder their professional progress.

“the sports media is the back bone of sports development and sports promotion, our government is focused and committed to  support and reshape the sports media to achieve the set out goal to empower Kano youths through sports.

“the mission  of his excellency through this gesture is   to empower our professional sports journalists and give them the required qualification to continue with their pursuit to upward steadily representation of  Kano state in that sector.

 

Danja hinted that,  Kano state government remains unrepentant  in its  upward investment drive to create a generation  of professionals that  would keep the state afloat on the terrain of quality and abundance human resources.

Reacting, chairman SWAN Kano chapter, comrade Zahradeen Saleh thanked the state government for the support.

He said, the scholarship offer is an major step towards uplifting the practice of sports journalism in the state.

He said the dividends of sports could only  accrue with the effective operations of the sporting press through the training and re-training of sports writers.

He admitted that, acquiring the requisite qualification to practice  sports journalism has been one of the major challenges confronting members of the association.

“ our members  who are the beneficiaries of this offer are  youths, on completion of the professional course, they will have stable professional growth and  would be better equipped to contribute their quota to the development of the state.” Zahradeen said .

 

 

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