The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has confirmed that United States military personnel are currently in Nigeria.
Speaking with The Nation at the Ministry of Defence, Musa disclosed that the deployment was duly approved by the Federal Government and is strictly for training and technological support.
According to him, the American troops have been authorised to operate alongside Nigerian security forces in designated parts of Bauchi State as part of ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate with friendly nations to strengthen the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
The minister noted that such military cooperation is not unusual, pointing out that Nigeria has similarly provided support to countries including Liberia, Tanzania, and others in the past.
General Musa further explained that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from U.S. technological capabilities, particularly in the areas of drones and satellite intelligence, which are critical in confronting criminal networks.
“Yes, some of them came. We’re working together. I don’t know about Borno, but I know they have permission to come into some certain areas in Bauchi to help us in training because of the fight we’re doing.
“They’re going to help with technology. The U.S. has very good technology. They have drones. They have the satellite, which is very critical for us.
“Collaboration is something every country does. We’re in Liberia to do that. We’re in Sierra Leone to do for other countries. We’re in Tanzania. We’re in Burma. We did for other countries.
“So now we need the help because the terrorists are everywhere, especially since the Sahel is broken. The whole thing started when Libya fell.
“Too many arms, too many criminals and then got into us. So, that’s what we’re facing. That’s why we need all the good support of friendly nations to confront it,” he stated.
Musa assured Nigerians that the arrangement does not in any way compromise the country’s sovereignty. He stressed that the presence of the American personnel is governed by a clearly defined agreement and is temporary in nature.
“Whatever we’re doing is based on agreement. They respect our sovereignty. They understand that. We have told them in clear terms. Whatever we’re doing is going to be for a short time. Once we finish the objective, we have to move,” he added.
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