The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi has said that the United States Army got necessary permission from the Nigerian government to conduct the rescue operation with lead to the liberation of its citizen held captive in northern Nigeria. Magashi in an interview shortly after defending his Ministry’s budget at the National Assembly on Tuesday, told journalists that Nigeria gave permission to the US “as a friendly country” almost as soon as it was contacted by the government. The minister said the country was doing the best it could with the available resources at the disposal of the military to deploy adequate technology in its operations. He however said that Nigeria would explore the current partnership with the United states tackle insurgency in the country.
Three days ago reports emerged that the Naval Special Warfare group in the United States, popularly called SEAL Team Six, rescued Philip Walton, a 27-year old U.S. citizen, on 31 October, who was held hostage by a group of armed men in northern Nigeria.
In a statement the chief Pentagon spokesperson, Jonathan Hoffman, said no U.S. military personnel were injured during the operation.
“No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation. We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation,” he said.
Mr Magashi’s comment was in reaction to speculations as to whether or not the U.S Army violated Nigeria’s sovereignty by coming into the country to carry out the rescue operation – which he responded in the negative.
“The United States of America contacted the Nigerian government to undertake that operation. There is nothing wrong with a friendly nation taking permission to conduct an operation which is for the mutual good of the countries. That is why we allowed it to happen,” Hoffman said.
While responding to a question on how Nigeria has been able to exploit the friendliness between both countries to fight the insurgency, he said such information is confidential.
“It is something that can be discussed later. It is not meant for the consumption of the public. To be honest but certainly, we are making efforts and they have been helping us greatly in areas where we have difficulties and we are still asking for more,” he added.
