Categories: AFRICATop Stories

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Says US Got Clearance for Rescue Operation in Sokoto

The Nigerian government has said it granted the United States special forces permission to rescue its citizen in the Northern region of the country, with sources telling ARISE News the operation was carried out in Sokoto state.

The country’s Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi also said the rescue operation by the US special forces was not a violation of the country’s sovereignty.

“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,” Magaji said when he spoke with journalists at the National Assembly.

The mission was undertaken by elite commandos as part of a major effort to free the US citizen, Philip Walton, 27, before his abductors could get far after taking him captive in Niger on October 26.

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

By Abel Ejikeme

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Romania Set To Form New Government With Marcel Ciolacu As Prime Minister

Romania's president Klaus Iohannis is expected to designate Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to form a…

30 minutes ago

Nigeria Announces Public Holidays for Christmas and New Year Celebrations

Federal Government of Nigeria has declared public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year festivities…

35 minutes ago

IGP Orders Investigation into Death of Ilorin Detainee Jimoh Abdulquadri in Police Custody

IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into Jimoh Abdulquadri’s death in police custody, promising justice…

4 hours ago

Trump Dismisses Claims That Elon Musk Holds Real Power Behind US President-Elect

Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that Elon Musk is the true influence behind the newly…

4 hours ago

Tiger Woods’ 15-Year-Old Son Charlie Achieves His First Hole-in-One

Tiger Woods' son Charlie has achieved his first golf hole-in-one during the final round of…

4 hours ago

New Zealand Rejects Cook Islands’ Bid For A Separate Passport

New Zealand has rejected the Cook Islands’ proposal for a separate passport, requiring full independence…

4 hours ago