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.

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.