By Abiola Olawale
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has provided a comprehensive breakdown of why the presence of United States military personnel is vital to the nation’s current stability.
The clarification comes as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the arrival of 100 US military specialists at Bauchi Airfield this week.
The deployment, which is technical and advisory, marks a significant phase in the bilateral security agreement between Abuja and Washington.
According to General Musa, the primary driver for this collaboration is Nigeria’s need for “cutting-edge technology” to combat sophisticated insurgent groups.
He added that both militaries were working together in certain areas of Bauchi State, adding that the Federal Government had permitted their presence for that purpose.
“Yes, some of them came. We’re working together. I don’t know about Borno, but I know they have permission to come into 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 they 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.
The minister assured Nigerians that the partnership was for a short term, stressing that there was an agreement guiding it.
“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.
Also yesterday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the arrival of about 100 U.S. military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
The statement noted that the deployment was part of the deliberation during a working group engagement between the Nigerian delegation and its U.S. counterpart.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the arrival was planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support, ort and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
“The U.S. personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces. 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.
“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation.”
