Table of Contents
- US Military Base in Nigeria
- Concerns Over US Political Comments
- US Presence in Niger
- Understanding Nigeria’s Insecurity
- Call for Unity
Former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazau (retd.), has suggested that the United States might be planning to establish a military base in Nigeria.
While speaking in Abuja at the 7th Annual Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria, Dambazau mentioned that recent remarks made by certain US politicians and religious leaders regarding the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria could be indicative of a broader strategy by foreign powers to further their interests.
He pointed out that the US has maintained two military bases in Niger Republic for over a decade but has not succeeded in mitigating the insecurity there.
“In the more than ten years of US presence in Niger, where it has operated two military bases, what measures did the US take to curb the escalation of security challenges?” he questioned.
Dambazau emphasized that the US is primarily focused on safeguarding its own interests, even if it necessitates the use of force, and cautioned that some Nigerians might be unwittingly aiding in the promotion of these external agendas.
He stated that Nigeria’s security issues, which include terrorism and insurgency, are part of a broader regional instability affecting the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and are not aimed at any particular religion.
Both Muslims and Christians, he noted, have suffered from attacks, referencing the killings of worshippers in mosques, the assassinations of clerics, and assaults on traditional leaders.
The retired general called on Nigerians to come together to combat terrorism and criminal violence rather than allowing foreign interests to exploit the divisions within the country.
Is the US planning to establish a military base in Nigeria?
Lt. Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazau (retd.) has indicated that the US may be preparing to set up a military base in Nigeria, based on recent comments by US politicians regarding the situation in Nigeria.
What is the current security situation in Nigeria?
Nigeria faces significant security challenges, including terrorism and insurgency, which are part of broader regional instability affecting the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, impacting both Muslims and Christians alike.
What did Dambazau say about the US military presence in Niger?
Dambazau criticized the US for maintaining two military bases in Niger for over ten years without effectively addressing the country's security challenges.
What does Dambazau suggest Nigerians should do?
He urged Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism and criminal violence rather than allowing foreign interests to exploit divisions in the country.
