Nigeria's President Takes Firm Stance Against External Threats
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration "will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society" amid growing tensions with the United States. The Nigerian leader's strong statement comes as former US president Donald Trump threatens military intervention in Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution.
Security is Non-Negotiable Says Tinubu
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, November 7, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria's security is "non-negotiable" and his government has made significant progress in combating terrorism over the past two years. The president acknowledged that Africa's most populous nation faces terrorism challenges that have persisted for nearly two decades, but vowed that "we will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle."
Tinubu stated: "We face challenges head-on and remain steadfast in our commitment to engage partners and champion Nigeria's interests on the diplomatic front. We are confidently asserting our presence on the global stage, guided by unwavering calm, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose."
US Military Threats Escalate Tensions
The presidential assurance comes as Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat of military action in Nigeria. On Wednesday, November 5, Trump condemned killings attributed to radical Islamist groups and threatened immediate consequences if Nigerian authorities fail to act decisively to protect Christians.
According to reports, the US military has already drawn up contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria following an order from Trump directing the Pentagon to "prepare to intervene" to protect Christians from terrorist attacks. The US Africa Command has presented multiple operational options to the Department of War, responding to a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The situation escalated on Friday, October 31, when Trump redesignated Nigeria as a 'country of particular concern' in response to claims of Christian genocide. Trump had warned the Nigerian government to act fast to end the "killing of Christians" and later stated he is not ruling out air strikes or boots on the ground to "completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists killing Christians in Nigeria."
Former Army Chief Questions US Motives
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, suggested that the US might be preparing to set up a military base in Nigeria. Dambazau shared his thoughts during the seventh annual public lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja, where he addressed the country's security challenges.
President Tinubu remains resolute in his position, asserting: "With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail." The Nigerian government continues to navigate these diplomatic challenges while maintaining its focus on eliminating security threats within its borders.
