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Experts have expressed worries regarding Nigeria’s partnership with the United States in the recent airstrike targeting terrorist locations in Northwest Nigeria.
They caution that such operations may lead to unintended repercussions for the nation.
Ahmad Isma’il, a specialist in diplomacy, advised Nigeria to be cautious about uncritical involvement in joint military actions with the United States.
He emphasized that these engagements should be approached with caution.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, he remarked that the U.S. does not intervene out of goodwill.
“Anyone who believes America is in Nigeria to protect us should reconsider. The United States always acts in its own interests,” he asserted.
Isma’il also questioned the Federal Government’s management of the operation.
“Trump stated he authorized the strike against those accountable for the alleged Christian Genocide. Meanwhile, Nigeria claims it collaborated to target insurgents. This discrepancy suggests the government may not have complete control,” he explained.
“We have witnessed what the U.S. has done in other resource-rich nations. There is no assurance their presence is solely aimed at combating insecurity. Moreover, Nigeria may find it challenging to halt their involvement,” he added.
In another discussion with DAILY POST, security expert Captain Abdullahi Bakoji (rtd) pointed out that the airstrike carries both benefits and hazards.
“With U.S. drones and satellites, surveillance and intelligence gathering will enhance. Precision strikes can demoralize insurgents and even bolster our military if we gain from their training,” he noted.
However, Bakoji cautioned that such actions could impact Nigeria’s sovereignty. “If the public does not comprehend what is occurring, a foreign military presence may be perceived as interference. Insurgents could exploit this for propaganda, convincing the youth that America seeks to dominate,” he warned.
He also highlighted the potential risks to civilians.
“Airstrikes based on flawed intelligence can endanger innocent lives, inciting anger and unrest. This approach serves only as a temporary fix. Nigeria’s insecurity has deep-rooted causes that military action alone cannot resolve.”
It is worth noting that on Friday, December 26, the United States Department of War released a video on X showing the strike on Jabo in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack followed a post by Trump, accompanied by comments from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who discussed the killings of Christians in Nigeria and warned that more severe actions would be taken if the violence continued.
Trump stated that he ordered the strike as Commander in Chief, clarifying that U.S. forces conducted a robust military operation against ISIS fighters in Northwest Nigeria.
He claimed the group had been predominantly attacking and killing Christians, labeling the violence as severe and longstanding.
The Federal Government also confirmed that cooperation with the U.S. resulted in accurate airstrikes in the North-West.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the U.S., to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the Ministry, this collaboration encompasses intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other support “consistent with international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional security.”
What are the concerns regarding Nigeria's collaboration with the U.S. on airstrikes?
Experts warn that such operations may lead to unintended consequences and could impact Nigeria's sovereignty.
What did Ahmad Isma’il say about U.S. involvement in Nigeria?
He cautioned that the U.S. acts out of its own interests and that Nigeria should be cautious in its military engagements with them.
What did Captain Abdullahi Bakoji mention about the airstrikes?
He noted that while U.S. involvement could enhance surveillance and military training, it also risks civilian safety and may be perceived as foreign interference.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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