By Our Correspondent

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has clarified that the presence of United States troops in the country is strictly for training assistance and advisory purposes.

Musa gave the clarification on Wednesday while presiding over the maiden edition of the Monthly Operational Briefing at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

According to him, the deployment of the US military personnel does not in any way affect Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain fully in charge of all operations carried out within the country.

His clarification follows an earlier announcement by the Defence Headquarters confirming the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi Airfield on February 16, 2026.

The Defence Headquarters said the foreign personnel are technical specialists working in an advisory and training capacity and are not combat troops.

It added that all training activities would be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian government in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

During the briefing, Musa also highlighted the security challenges confronting the country, including terrorism, insurgency and banditry, urging the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs to intensify efforts and adopt new strategies to address the threats.

He commended Nigerian troops for their professionalism, resilience and gallantry in ongoing operations, while reaffirming the commitment of the ministry to improving troop welfare and enhancing operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to remain relentless in sustaining pressure on criminal elements threatening peace and stability.

Shaibu praised troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke for their resilience in restoring security in affected communities, noting that their efforts have helped create a safer environment for socio economic activities and the return of internally displaced persons.

By Adenike Lawal

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu, in a development that signals a major shake-up in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Sources at the Presidential Villa in Abuja disclosed that Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday. He is to be replaced by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Although the presidency is yet to issue an official statement, credible sources within both the Presidency and Force Headquarters confirmed that arrangements are underway for a formal handover ceremony.

Mr Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, and his appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Appointed at the age of 58, he was initially due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

However, following an amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly in 2024, he was allowed to serve a full four-year tenure, regardless of age or years of service. The amendment paved the way for him to remain in office until October 31, 2027, unless removed by the President.

His tenure was marked by a mix of security operations and controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses, which drew criticism from sections of the public.

As of the time of filing this report, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and Force Public Relations Officer Ben Hundeyin had not responded to calls seeking confirmation. A senior presidency official, however, indicated that a formal announcement would be made later on today.

More details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.

By Ade Iyamoye 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, has revealed that many of the terrorists responsible for killings and insecurity in Nigeria are foreign nationals operating from outside the country.

Speaking at the 2026 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, Akume said security reports indicate that several arrested suspects do not speak English or indigenous Nigerian languages fluently but communicate mainly in French.

“Many of these people who have been arrested don’t speak English. They speak very poor Hausa, but they speak French. Do we speak French in Nigeria? No,” he stated, adding that while Boko Haram has local roots, a significant number of bandits and killers operating in forests in states such as Niger are from outside Nigeria’s borders.

The SGF disclosed that the Federal Government is working closely with international partners, including the United States, following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.

He referenced recent drone strikes against terrorist elements in Sokoto as evidence that government is not idle in tackling insecurity.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Turkey was largely to procure advanced military hardware, including drones, to strengthen Nigeria’s technological capacity in combating terrorism. He also revealed that 50,000 additional police personnel have been recruited to boost internal security operations.

Akume acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious challenge but insisted it is a global phenomenon, not peculiar to Nigeria. He urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders whom he described as the “moral conscience of the nation,” to engage issues holistically and avoid narratives that could erode public confidence.

The SGF further noted that illegal mining has contributed significantly to insecurity, as criminal groups exploit mineral resources to fund violent activities. He said the Federal Government has tightened mining regulations and strengthened enforcement to curb abuse in the sector.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens, Akume said democracy remains “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” stressing that legitimate power is derived from the citizenry and must serve the collective good.

He assured the bishops of continued partnership between the Federal Government and the Catholic Church in promoting peace, social cohesion, youth empowerment and national development.