‘Why We Supported The US’ Special Forces’ Operation In Nigeria’

Contrary to what many say, there is a reason the Nigerian authorities supported the United States (US)’ Special Forces carry out a rescue operation on Nigerian soil.

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd.), who made the clarifications, hinged the reason on the fact that the US was a friendly country, and that the operation did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty in any way.

Magashi spoke an interview he granted reporters in Abuja after he defended this year’s budget for his ministry.

The media space has been awash with the news of the precise intervention of the United States Special Military Force, successfully rescuing an American citizen kidnapped by bandits in the northern part of Nigeria.

Most though, especially social media users have been hailing the operation of the special forces, insisting that such precise intervention had potentials of endearing citizens to their country.

In his assertion, Magashi said the country was doing the best it could with what was available to the military to deploy adequate technology in its operations.

He added that Nigeria would explore the current partnership with the United States to tackle insurgency in the country.

The Eagle recalls that Special Forces from the US navy Seals had rescued an American national, Philip Walton, 27, who was abducted on Tuesday from his home in southern Niger, which shares borders with Nigeria.

Following Philip’s rescue, President Donald Trump, reacting, said: “Last night, at my direction, the United States military conducted a successful operation to rescue an American hostage in Nigeria, kidnapped just 96 hours earlier.

“United States Special Forces executed a daring nighttime operation to rescue their fellow American with exceptional skill, precision and bravery … The former hostage is currently in good health and has been reunited with his family” reports the Guardian.

Also, the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said: “The United States is committed to the safe return of all US citizens taken captive. We delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria … We will never abandon any American taken hostage.”

 Walton, who kept camels, sheep and poultry and grew mangoes near the border with Nigeria, was kidnapped by six men armed with assault rifles who arrived on motorcycles at his home in southern Niger’s Massalata village early on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: How Soldiers Shouting “EndSARS” Descended On lady’s Buttocks And..His wife, young daughter and brother were left behind with the kidnappers demanding money and before taking him away.