The clarification was made by Colonel Tukur Gusau, a spokesman for the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, via a statement released on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

The statement reads in part:

“During the Monday meeting at the Ship House, Ministry of Defence Abuja, issues bordering on the transfer of skills, technology, research and development were discussed.”

“Nigeria also recognised the expertise of South Africa in the area of training Special Forces for counter-insurgency operations. Therefore, Nigeria seeks   cooperation in the area of training and transfer of skills for our own forces from the South Africa National Defence Force.”

The clarification comes following widespread media reports that South Africa had promised to send soldiers to help Nigeria fight the terrorist sect.

The reports have also been denied by South African authorities.