Afenifere faction backs US-Nigeria Christmas Day strikes

Factional Organising Secretary, Afenifere, Kole Omololu

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A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has thrown its weight behind the attack on terrorists in the North-Western part of the country by the United States military forces on Christmas Day.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Organising Secretary of the faction, Kole Omololu, described the attack as timely and necessary.

Omololu, in the statement, pointed out that the action of the US government against the terrorists in Nigeria deserved commendation and not condemnation, as the terrorist groups had wreaked havoc in some states in the northern part of the country.

He said, “The recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the joint air strikes conducted by Nigerian and United States military forces against ISIS terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria were executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities is both timely and necessary.

“Afenifere unequivocally supports this decisive action, which comes after years of relentless insecurity that has held communities hostage and undermined the very fabric of the nation.

“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation.

“For far too long, innocent Nigerians have been subjected to relentless attacks, abductions and wanton destruction of property, while insufficient measures were taken to decisively confront these terrorist enclaves.”

The group added that the vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance invited the intervention of “capable partners” who understand the urgency of the situation.

“Afenifere wishes to stress that true sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure the nation’s borders.

“The lives of Nigerians and the preservation of national peace must always take precedence over political sentiment or populist critique.

“The swift and coordinated military response demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring safety and stability to affected regions.”

The Afenifere called on all citizens, political leaders, and civil society groups in the country to resist any temptation to undermine the efforts with “misplaced criticism.”

“Now is the time for solidarity, support and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.

“The courage, professionalism and decisive action displayed by both Nigerian and United States forces should be applauded. Afenifere reaffirms its support for any measures, domestic or joint, that will ensure that Nigeria’s citizens can live in safety and security, free from the scourge of terror”, he concluded.

Recall that the United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US forces conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria, and vowed more attacks if the militants keep killing Christians.

The president stated this on his Truth Social platform, adding that the Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes.

PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Government, on Friday, confirmed the air strikes.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters also noted that the strikes represented one of the most significant known instances of active US military involvement on Nigerian soil in the ongoing fight against Islamist-linked terrorist factions and bandits.

The US military’s involvement in counter-terrorism operations in West Africa has increased in recent years, notably through intelligence support, logistical assistance, drone surveillance, and targeted strikes against high-profile terror leaders.

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