Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has identified four distinct categories of people within Nigeria who are displeased with the recent military intervention by the United States against terrorist elements in the country.
The Christmas Day Airstrike in Sokoto
This analysis comes in the wake of a significant military action where the United States launched a powerful airstrike against terrorists in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The operation, authorized by US President Donald Trump, marked a direct foreign intervention in Nigeria's protracted fight against insurgency and terrorism.
Adeyanju shared his perspective in a detailed post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He clarified that while many Nigerians welcome the support, the US action has not been met with universal approval domestically.
Adeyanju's Four Categories of Dissent
The activist provided a breakdown of the groups he believes are unhappy with the American military involvement. His list points to complex internal dynamics surrounding security and politics in Nigeria.
The first category comprises certain members of the Nigerian military. Adeyanju alleges that these individuals have personally benefited from the prolonged state of insecurity, turning it into a lucrative business venture. The external intervention, therefore, threatens this illicit economy.
The second and third categories are directly linked to the terrorist groups themselves. This includes the active terrorists operating in the region and their sympathizers, who provide ideological, logistical, or moral support to the insurgents.
The fourth category identified is political. Adeyanju points to those he describes as "those playing opposition politics." This suggests that some political actors may view the successful foreign operation through a partisan lens, potentially seeing it as a boost for the current administration or an embarrassment to national sovereignty.
Implications of the US Intervention
Adeyanju's statement highlights the multifaceted reactions to international security assistance. It underscores that counter-terrorism efforts are not just military campaigns but are deeply intertwined with local economics, politics, and social affiliations.
The US airstrike represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria's security landscape, demonstrating a willingness for direct action by a foreign power. While aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, the action has evidently stirred debate and exposed underlying tensions within Nigerian society regarding how the conflict is managed and by whom.
The revelation by Adeyanju, a known commentator on governance and human rights, adds a critical layer of political and social analysis to the event, moving the conversation beyond the immediate military impact.
