Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has clarified concerns surrounding the presence of United States troops in the country, stating that the foreign personnel are in Nigeria strictly to provide training assistance and advisory support.
Musa assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces would remain fully in charge of all military operations conducted within the country’s territory.
The minister clarified on Wednesday in Abuja while presiding over the maiden edition of the newly introduced Monthly Operational Briefing at the Ministry of Defence.
His comments followed confirmation by the Defence Headquarters on February 16, 2026, that about 100 United States military personnel, along with associated equipment, had arrived at Bauchi Airfield.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training capacities rather than as combat forces. It added that all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
During the operational briefing, Musa also highlighted the various threats facing national security and urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to intensify efforts and develop new, practical strategies to ensure the timely eradication of terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country.
He commended Nigerian troops for their professionalism, resilience, and gallantry, while reaffirming the commitment of the ministry to improving troop welfare and enhancing the operational efficiency of the armed forces.
In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Timothy Antigha, said the briefing provided an opportunity for the minister to review ongoing military operations and offer strategic guidance to the armed services.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to remain resolute in sustaining pressure on individuals and groups responsible for violence and criminal activities.
Shaibu tasked the troops to decisively confront any individual or group threatening peace and stability, regardless of their status, influence, or affiliation.
While commending troops of the Joint Task Force conducting Operation WHIRL STROKE for their resilience and commitment to restoring security in affected communities in Benue State, he stressed the strategic importance of the operation within Nigeria’s broader national security framework.
He called for consolidation of recent gains through intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and sustained community engagement, noting that operational success must be accompanied by professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the rules of engagement in line with international best practices.
The army chief added that the troops’ perseverance in the face of persistent threats has significantly weakened criminal networks and helped create a safer environment for socio-economic activities to resume. He also described the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities as evidence of the troops’ operational effectiveness and determination.
