Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on Wednesday presided over the maiden edition of the newly introduced Monthly Operational Briefing at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abuja, explaining that the United States African Command troops are in Nigeria purely on training assistance and advisory roles.
General Musa also assured Nigerians that the Armed forces of Nigeria (AFN) will be in command of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory.
The Minister, who spoke during his opening remarks, highlighted the various threats to national security, urging the Chief of Defence and the Service Chiefs to intensify efforts and device new and implementable strategies to ensure timely eradication of terrorism, insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.
General Musa, while commending the professionalism, resilience, and gallantry of Nigerian troops, reaffirmed the commitment of his Ministry to supporting troops welfare and improving the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Colonel Timothy Antigha (rtd), “the Minister used the opportunity to address lingering concerns about the presence of the US AFRICOM in Nigeria and reassured that the Americans are in Nigeria on a purely training assistance and advisory role and assured that the Armed forces of Nigeria will be in command of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory.
“The event provided the Honourable Minister the opportunity to review ongoing operations and provide strategic guidance to the Armed Services.”
The briefing was attended by Minister of State for Defence, Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Defence), Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs.
