The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has publicly thrown its weight behind the recent joint military operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in Sokoto State. In a significant statement released on Sunday, the 28th of December 2025, the coalition described the action as a critical step against extremism while issuing a stark warning to Southwest governors to brace for potential retaliatory attacks by terrorist groups.
AYDM Praises Strike, Issues Security Warning to Southwest
In the statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, and Rasaq Arogundade, the AYDM framed the joint strikes as a necessary and powerful response to the growing threat of Islamic fundamentalism in Nigeria. The group asserted that the operation demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to forging effective global partnerships to reclaim its sovereignty from violent non-state actors.
The AYDM specifically cautioned that the Southwest region must heighten its security preparedness. The group's analysis suggests that terrorists, seeking revenge for the Sokoto operation, may target the region because it is the home base of President Bola Tinubu and hosts major foreign economic interests, with Lagos at the forefront.
"Southwest governors must prepare for terrorists’ operations and possible attacks on the region," the statement warned, emphasizing the need for proactive defensive measures.
Calls for Restructuring and Broader International Alliances
While applauding the military action, the Yoruba coalition argued that force alone is insufficient to address Nigeria's deep-seated crises. The AYDM used the moment to reiterate its longstanding political demand for the restructuring of the country into sovereign republics, allowing separate paths for those desiring a theocratic state and those committed to democratic governance.
Furthermore, the group alleged that terrorism in Nigeria has been cynically exploited as a political tool by powerful sponsors aiming to destabilize the nation. To genuinely defeat this menace, the AYDM recommended that the Tinubu administration dramatically expand its international security collaborations.
The statement explicitly urged the government to seek counter-terrorism partnerships with Russia and Israel, alongside existing ties with the United States. The group praised these nations for what it termed "unconditional support to Africa’s strive for freedom" and highlighted Russia's "progressive role" in anti-terror operations across the Sahel region as a model for deeper engagement.
Context and Implications of the Joint Operation
This endorsement comes in the wake of the military action, which itself followed an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump in November 2025 concerning attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has characterized the joint strikes as a coordinated effort to restore national sovereignty from extremist forces.
The AYDM's position underscores a complex national security debate. The group contends that a multi-pronged strategy is essential: combining robust military alliances with countries like the US, Russia, and Israel with urgent internal political reforms, including decentralization. They believe this dual approach is the only way to permanently degrade the operational capacity of terrorist networks threatening the nation.
