The recent rescue operation by the United States special forces on Nigerian soil did not was violate the country’s sovereignty, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd.), on Tuesday.
In reaction to a spate of criticism against such military operations in Nigeria, which many believe has exposed the ineptitude of Nigerian military, the minister said that the Federal Government granted the US necessary permission to carry out the military operation.
Part of the criticisms by Nigeria is over the efficiency the operation was carried out by the US special force which they believe is lacking in the operations of their Nigerian counterparts.
Nigerian security forces had been ambushed on various occasions and killed by armed insurgents.
At various times, Boko Haram militants had attacked their barracks and wreaked heavy casualties.
Magashi, an interview with journalists shortly after he defended his Ministry’s budget at the Senate, said Nigeria gave permission to the United States “as a friendly country” almost as soon as it was contacted by the government.
He ruled out theories that the United States might have violated Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, Nigerian security forces were doing their best with what them in terms of technology technology in its operations.
The minister, however, said that Nigeria would explore the current partnership with the United States to tackle insurgency in the country.
Nigeria has been battling the Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade, which resulted in the death and displacement of thousands of persons in the Northeat region of Nigeria.
