…Nigerian forces would retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and lead all missions
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Nigerian Military has confirmed the presence of United States troops in Nigeria, ending weeks of speculation and earlier denials following remarks by the head of the US Africa Command, Gen. Dagvin Anderson.
Gen. Anderson had earlier hinted during a media briefing that a small US team was in Nigeria. Although he did not disclose the number of personnel or their exact responsibilities, he said the team was in the country to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
The iNews Times gathered that the US personnel, who reportedly arrived about two weeks ago, are not engaged in combat duties and will not take part in direct field operations. A military source, who requested anonymity, said, “Nigeria is not hosting the troops for combat duties, as they will not be deployed to the field as fighters. The source added that Nigerian forces would retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and lead all missions within the nation’s sovereign territory.
In an exclusive interview with The iNews Times, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the US troops were deployed at the request and invitation of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in line with recommendations of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group.
However, he declined to disclose the number of personnel or their specific locations, citing operational security concerns.
Responding to questions on whether the United States had deployed combat troops to Nigeria, Gen. Uba clarified: “At the request and invitation of the Government of Nigeria, and consistent with the recommendations of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, the United States has deployed technical and training service members to provide advisory support at various locations across Nigeria.
“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role. Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on our sovereign territory.”
