In a firm response to Washington’s warnings, Nigerian officials have signaled they would welcome U.S. military assistance in the fight against Islamist insurgents—provided it honors Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump threatened "fast" military action if Abuja failed to curb attacks on Christians, raising eyebrows among analysts and diplomats.
"We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognizes our territorial integrity," said Daniel Bwala, adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Nigeria’s leadership is keen to maintain sovereignty even as it seeks stronger international support against groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows 1,923 attacks on civilians in Nigeria so far this year. Of these, only 50 were documented as targeting residents of Christian faith, underscoring that Islamist violence often devastates whole communities irrespective of religion.
Northern, central, and northwestern regions face a complex array of threats: sectarian clashes over land and resources, banditry kidnappings, and insurgent attacks that respect no boundaries. "There is no Christian genocide," Bwala emphasized, adding that Nigeria does not discriminate by tribe or religion in its security operations.
As tensions simmer over prospect of U.S. troops or air strikes, Abuja is eager for a joint strategy. Bwala remains optimistic: "By the time these two leaders meet and sit, there would be better outcomes in our joint resolve to fight terrorism."
For Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation and a hub for young entrepreneurs, activists, and travelers—the challenge is clear: secure lasting peace without compromising sovereign rights, a balancing act with global implications.
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Nigeria says U.S. help against insurgents must respect its sovereignty
cgtn.com
