Following the recent deployment of a small team of United States military personnel to Nigeria to support counter-terrorism efforts, a retired senior Nigerian Army officer has cautioned against unrealistic public expectations, stressing that the foreign troops are not in the country to fight Nigeria’s wars.
The former Director of Operations at Army Headquarters, Major General Ijioma N. Ijioma (rtd), said the presence of U.S. forces should be understood strictly within the context of support and cooperation, not frontline combat. According to him, the American personnel were deployed to provide specialised assistance such as intelligence sharing, technical support, training and operational coordination to Nigerian security forces battling insurgency and terrorism.
He emphasised that Nigeria remains fully responsible for its internal security, warning that no foreign military would take over the country’s counter-terrorism campaign. “They will not fight our battles for us,” the retired general said, noting that the effectiveness of the fight against armed groups ultimately depends on the capacity, strategy and commitment of Nigerian forces.
The deployment, which has been confirmed by U.S. and Nigerian authorities, comes amid renewed attacks by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Nigerian defence officials have also clarified that the U.S. team is non-combat in nature and operates within an existing framework of bilateral security cooperation between both countries.
Security analysts say the collaboration reflects growing international concern over the spread of terrorism in the region, but insist that lasting solutions will require stronger intelligence coordination, improved military logistics, better equipment and sustained political will on the part of the Nigerian government.
The retired general urged Nigerians to focus on strengthening domestic security institutions rather than relying on foreign intervention, adding that external support can only complement, not replace, national efforts to restore peace and stability.
Abuja Network News
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