Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, don clear air say presence of United States Armed Forces for Nigeria na mainly for training and technological support, no be to fight war.
General Musa talk this one during exclusive interview with journalists for Ministry of Defence headquarters, wey dem dey call Ship House, Abuja.
According to am, Nigeria military and U.S. military dey work together for some areas of Bauchi State, with approval of Federal Government.
“Dem come help us with training and technology. America get strong technology like drones and satellite, and that one dey very important for us,” Musa talk.
The Defence Minister explain say military cooperation na normal thing for countries, add say Nigeria too don help other nations like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania before.
He blame insecurity on arms spread after Libya crisis and collapse of Sahel region, say na why Nigeria need support from friendly countries to fight terrorists.
Musa assure Nigerians say the agreement na short-term and Nigeria sovereignty dey respected.
“Everything wey we dey do na based on agreement. Once we finish the objective, dem go leave,” he add.
DHQ Confirms Arrival of U.S. Personnel
Meanwhile, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) don confirm arrival of about 100 U.S. military personnel and equipment for Bauchi Airfield.
According to statement from Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the deployment follow formal request by Nigerian government for training, technical support and intelligence sharing with Nigerian Armed Forces.
He stress say the U.S. personnel no be combat troops but advisers and trainers, and all activities go dey under full control of Nigerian authorities.
“The training and intelligence cooperation go help Nigerian troops identify and neutralise terrorist groups and protect vulnerable communities,” the statement talk.
DHQ assure Nigerians say dem go continue to give clear and timely information about the military cooperation, as armed forces remain committed to protect Nigeria security and sovereignty.
