Potential US Airstrikes in Nigeria as Trump Gets Updates on Abductions and Killings
Following a new wave of killings and abductions across Nigeria, there is growing speculation that United States President Donald Trump may authorize further military action in the country. This development comes as Trump receives fresh briefings on the security situation, amid the continued presence of US military personnel in Nigeria, who are primarily engaged in intelligence support and training of Nigerian troops. The possibility of airstrikes has been fueled by a reported Christmas Day airstrike on a terrorist enclave in Sokoto state, which has intensified debates over foreign intervention.
Debate Intensifies Over Foreign Military Involvement
Despite existing measures, attacks by insurgents and criminal groups have persisted, leading to a heated discussion among activists, security analysts, and civil society leaders. Some argue that stronger US intervention, including direct military action, could weaken terrorist networks, while others warn that such steps may undermine Nigeria's sovereignty and internationalize the conflict.
Zik Gbemre, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, has voiced support for tougher action, stating, "I support the US military strike on Boko Haram, bandits and killer herdsmen without informing the Nigerian military and government." He claimed the Christmas Day strike succeeded because Nigerian authorities were allegedly unaware, adding, "We need more of such strikes from the US just the way they did on Christmas day."
Security Experts Advocate for Tactical Support
Nasiru Braimah, Director of Operations at Prime Verse Royal Security Services, welcomed foreign assistance but emphasized the need for better strategy and motivation for local forces. "Nigeria Army has the manpower, what is needed is tactical operation, modern technology and incentives to motivate them," he said. According to him, corruption and outdated operational planning have weakened Nigeria's response to terrorism, while insurgents remain well-funded and combat-ready.
Warnings Against Foreign Troops on the Ground
Others have cautioned against allowing foreign troops to take combat roles. Amaebi Clarkson, a former spokesman of MOSIEND, argued that US involvement should be limited. "Putting boots on ground will be counter productive. There is nowhere America has gone that has cured any insurgency," he said. Clarkson instead urged Nigeria to revisit the strategy adopted under former President Goodluck Jonathan, when foreign mercenaries were briefly deployed with what he described as significant success against insurgents.
Civil Society Divided on US Military Presence
Chief Festus Ogwuche, President of the Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy in Africa, noted that earlier US threats of decisive intervention had raised public expectations. "When Trump threatened of a possible US intervention 'guns ablazing' in Nigeria, we all thought that finally, a solution has come," he said. In contrast, David West, Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization in Bayelsa State, said his position had changed due to the scale of violence, suggesting that the US army in Nigeria should do more than just intelligence gathering and training, while insisting on coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Calls for Balance and Reform in Security Approach
Analysts such as Major Rasaki Salawu (retd.) urged caution, noting that spikes in violence can follow military pressure. "Counter-terrorism operations are rarely linear," he said, adding that foreign support should strengthen, not replace, Nigeria's own security architecture. Similarly, Nelson Ejukujumi of the Centre for Social and Economic Rights stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign state and any foreign assistance must follow agreed terms.
Northern Groups Oppose Expanded US Role
Opposition to deeper US involvement has also emerged from northern groups. The Arewa Defence League warned against expanding the American military footprint, citing historical experiences and risks of long-term instability. "Our stance is rooted in the painful lessons of our history," the group said, cautioning against what it termed "foreign boots on our soil." The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria echoed similar concerns, arguing that insecurity stems more from weak political will than lack of foreign firepower.
This ongoing debate highlights the complex dynamics of international security cooperation in Nigeria, as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits of US military action against the risks to national sovereignty and long-term stability.
