Minister Tasks CDS On New Anti-Terror Strategy, Clarifies US Role

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has tasked the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Service Chiefs to device new and implementable strategies to ensure timely eradication of terrorism, insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.

He gave the charge on Wednesday during the maiden edition of the newly introduced Monthly Operational Briefing at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abuja.

The minister in a statement by his special adviser on media Colonel Timothy Antigha (Rtd) also assured Nigerians that the deployment of US troops in Nigeria was purely on training assistance, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigerian remain in command of all operations.

He said, “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 minister highlighting the various threats to national security and urged 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,”.

He commended the professionalism, resilience, and gallantry of Nigerian troops and reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to supporting troops welfare and improving the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.