The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has clarified that United States troops in Nigeria are purely on a training assistance mission while playing an advisory role.

In a statement, Timothy Antigha, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, relayed that Musa spoke while presiding over the maiden edition of the Monthly Operational Briefing at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja on Wednesday.

“The Americans are in Nigeria on a purely training assistance and advisory role,” Musa was quoted as saying, while assuring that the “armed forces of Nigeria will be in command of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory.”

Antigha stated that the minister reviewed ongoing military operations, highlighted various threats to national security, and provided strategic guidance to the armed services during the briefing.

“General Musa 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,” Antigha said.

In February, the United States dispatched ground troops to Nigeria following a new security cooperation agreement between both countries. The US and Nigeria inked the military collaboration accord after the redesignation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern by President Donald Trump.

Trump had previously threatened to send troops into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our Christians.”

On December 25, the US launched air strikes against two terrorist enclaves in Bauni forest in Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto state.

The federal government has repeatedly rejected claims of systemic persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, has called for stronger cooperation between the police and residents, stressing that effective community partnership is critical to preventing and combating crime across the state.

Bosso said collaboration between security agencies and the public would help improve intelligence gathering and enhance policing efforts in communities.

He made the call during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the New Owerri Division, CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, on Tuesday.

The police commissioner, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulkadir Hazmat, urged community members and key stakeholders to support security personnel by providing useful and timely information.

“I urge you all to work closely with the DPO and his officers. Provide timely and credible information, support lawful police operations and promote unity within your communities. Together, we can prevent crime and build a safer environment for residents and businesses,” he said.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders who spoke at the summit described the initiative as timely and vital for improving security in the New Owerri area.

Among them were HRM Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro, who represented the Eze Imo, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke; Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere, Chief Executive Officer of Pamtech Company; Mr. Fidelis Oguh, CEO of Gloran Hotel; and the Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, who was represented by the union’s Assistant Secretary, Comrade Chigozie Anosike.

The stakeholders pledged their continued support for security agencies and recommended measures to strengthen safety in the area. These included the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, improved rapid emergency response units, and the creation of a community security committee.

Also speaking at the summit were the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam; the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department; the ACP in charge of the IGP X-Squad, Linus Nwaiwu; and the recently promoted Chief Principal Security Officer to the Governor, ACP Shaba Gboyako Adamu.

They all stressed that intelligence-driven policing, mutual trust, and sustained cooperation between security agencies and residents are essential to building a safer Imo State.

Earlier, the DPO of New Owerri Division, CSP Gwarzo, explained that the summit was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss security concerns and propose practical solutions to improve peace and stability in the area.

He reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the directives of the Commissioner of Police by ensuring effective and visible policing, promoting respect for human rights, and strengthening community-based policing.

Gwarzo also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police, noting that proactive policing depends largely on cooperation between the police and the public.

The summit attracted community leaders, business owners, youth representatives, government officials, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), civil society organisations, security agencies, and residents of New Owerri.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday described Bayelsa State as home, expressing deep nostalgia during his first official visit to the state since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.

Aneke, who previously served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, Yenagoa, said the visit felt like a homecoming as he led top officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a courtesy call to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking during the visit, the Air Chief likened his return to that of a son who went out to earn laurels and returned home to celebrate with his people.

“As a son of Bayelsa, I am in the state to pay homage where I got promoted to Chief of the Air Staff,” he said.

Aneke noted that Bayelsa holds strategic national importance and also occupies a special place in his heart, having served there and experienced the hospitality and patriotism of its people firsthand.

“This state has been privileged to produce service chiefs. In the Air Force, three or four former AOCs here have risen to the top position,” he stated.

“Bayelsa is not only a strategic location of national importance, but it also has a special meaning for me. Returning here in my present capacity feels deeply personal — a reunion with a community and family I hold in very high esteem.”

He explained that the visit formed part of his ongoing operational tour of NAF units and operational theatres across the country to assess personnel readiness, evaluate security operations, strengthen civil-military relations, and ensure the protection of lives and critical national assets.

The CAS also disclosed that he was in the state for the inauguration and formal handover of a training facility built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his administration’s continued support and cooperation with the Air Force and other security agencies in the state.

In his response, Governor Diri commended the Air Chief for his integrity and synergy with the state government during his tenure as AOC, expressing confidence that he would continue to serve as a worthy ambassador of Bayelsa.

“You served in partnership with the government and the good people of Bayelsa State. We have no doubt that you are indeed our own and an ambassador of Bayelsa,” Diri said.

“Biologically, you may be from another state, but we see you as a gentleman from Bayelsa. This is a fertile ground for promotion, particularly in the military.”

The governor further assured that his administration would sustain cordial relations with the Air Force and other military formations, noting that their contributions have enhanced peace and security in the state.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting all military commands operating within Bayelsa.