US strike in Sokoto raises questions about Nigeria’s security

The recent announcement by the United States government of a military strike on alleged ISIL targets in Sokoto State has sparked widespread concern and outrage among Nigerians. The move has raised fundamental questions about the country’s sovereignty, security architecture, and the government’s ability to defend its citizens.

The strike, which was carried out without prior notification to the Nigerian public, is a stark reminder of the country’s reliance on foreign powers to address its security challenges. Nigerians are right to ask: why did the government not take the lead in announcing the operation? Why was the news broken by Washington, and not Abuja? The sequence of events is a loud and clear signal that Nigeria’s security is being compromised, and its sovereignty is being undermined.

The government’s explanation that Nigerian intelligence contributed to the operation, while the US possessed the capability to execute a “precision strike”, raises more questions than answers. If Nigeria has the capacity to intervene in the Benin Republic’s political crisis, why can’t it enforce peace within its own borders? The narrative that Nigeria needs foreign jets to enforce peace within its territory is a perilous message to citizens and the international community.

But the concerns go beyond just this strike. Our government is clearly towing a dangerous path, that will have far-reaching consequences for generations unborn. Recently, Nigeria and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation. The agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel-Harpaz, according to media reports, aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism financing, and advanced security training. Imagine a scenario where Israel, with questionable and ulterior interests, manufactures intelligence, shares it with the Nigerian government, or contaminates the processes and mindset of our intelligence community,  and US is put in charge of executing the intelligence which both governments would then consider to be actionable. This is not a scenario that is far-fetched, it is here with us. It is worthy of note that a day before U.S. launched its attack on Sokoto, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had sent his message of solidarity and support to the Nigerian Christian community, parroting the same allegation of a Christian genocide, thus raising the suspicion that both Israel and U.S. are working in concert. Sadly, our government, those responsible to keep Nigeria safe, preserve our sovereignty and national dignity seems to be the ones aiding and abetting it.

The history of US military interventions in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of such actions. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, linked the country’s terrorism problem to the US arms embargo and the collapse of Libya’s state institutions following Gaddafi’s overthrow. In 2011, the U.S-controlled NATO intervened in Libya leading to a power vacuum, rise of different violent extremist groups, and regional instability. The proliferation of illegal weapons from Libya has indeed contributed to the security challenges in the Sahel region, including Nigeria.

In 2003, US-led invasion led to the rise of ISIS and a massive humanitarian crisis that threatened the peace and stability of the whole Middle East. Similarly in 2001, US intervention in Afghanistan resulted in a prolonged conflict and the Taliban’s resurgence. After 20 years, billions of dollars and thousands of human lives, the US was only able to replace Taliban with Taliban in Afghanistan.

The inflammatory rhetoric from the US leadership, including threats of a “fast, vicious and sweet” intervention in Nigeria, is a toxic narrative that should be rejected by all Nigerians that value human lives, and human rights. Too many Nigerian lives have been lost to terrorism, most of them Muslims, and it is unacceptable that the country should become a playground for the adventure of a foreign power with a demonstrated disdain for Africans and Muslims, with a declared mission to defend Christianity and Christians.

The Nigerian government’s recent actions suggest it’s outsourcing its core responsibility to protect citizens, raising concerns about external influence dominating national considerations. Outsourcing security risks prioritising foreign interests over Nigerians’ needs and sovereignty. Protecting Nigeria is a duty that can’t be subcontracted; it demands strong, unified leadership prioritising national unity and the aspirations of all Nigerians.

Nigerians of all communities recognise terrorism is a national scourge requiring decisive action that unites, not divides. The government must lead with a vision for a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and represented, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region. It’s time for leadership that tackles insecurity with resolve, addresses root causes like violent extremism, communal violence and governance deficits like corruption, weak institutions, marginalisation, inequality, and builds a nation reflecting the aspirations of all. Nigeria’s future depends on leadership that puts Nigerians first – not external agendas.

As a final point, collaboration and partnership are indeed necessary in facing the threat of terrorism, a common enemy that has ravaged Nigeria for nearly two decades, claiming lives across faiths and ethnicities. However, in pursuing this partnership, Nigeria must tread with caution, ensuring that the quest for security doesn’t compromise its sovereignty or lead to unintended consequences.

The government must strike a delicate balance between cooperation and vigilance, recognising that some partnerships, while seemingly beneficial in the short term, may ultimately lead to more harm and danger for future generations. The people demand a Nigeria where security is home-grown, led by leaders who prioritize the nation’s interests above all else.

God-conscious Nigerians are united in the fight against terrorism, but this fight must be waged with a clear vision, accountability, and a commitment to protecting the nation’s dignity and future. Anything less would be a betrayal of the countless lives lost to this scourge.

Kamor is the Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.