The prominent pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has declared its full endorsement of the recent air strikes conducted by United States military forces against terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) in Nigeria's Northwest region. The group described the military action, which was carried out with the formal approval of the Nigerian government, as a timely and decisive intervention.
A Decisive Step Against Years of Insecurity
In a statement released by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, and made available to the press on 26 December 2025, Afenifere emphasised that this coordinated response was a necessary move to confront years of relentless violence, widespread abductions, and instability that have plagued communities. The statement came hours after Nigeria's Defence Headquarters officially confirmed that the strikes on terrorist enclaves were executed with the explicit authorisation of the federal government.
Afenifere argued that the prolonged failure to decisively tackle terrorists in their strongholds had created a dangerous security vacuum. This situation, the group stated, logically necessitated capable external partnerships. The involvement of the United States is seen as a direct consequence of the prolonged and unresolved security challenges facing the nation.
Sovereignty Defined by Protection, Not Rhetoric
The organisation's statement presented a robust defence of the joint operation. It read in part: "The recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters... is both timely and necessary." Afenifere unequivocally supports this action, taken after years of insecurity that has held communities hostage.
The group made a pointed argument about national sovereignty, stressing that true sovereignty is measured by the capacity to protect citizens and secure borders, not by political rhetoric. It asserted that the preservation of Nigerian lives and national peace must always take precedence over political sentiment or populist criticism.
A Call for National Unity and Support
Afenifere used the occasion to call for solidarity among Nigeria's citizenry. The group urged all citizens, political leaders, and civil society actors to support the ongoing counter-terrorism operations and resist any temptation to undermine these efforts with what it termed "misplaced criticism."
"Now is the time for solidarity, support and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians," the statement urged. Afenifere applauded the courage and professionalism displayed by both Nigerian and U.S. forces and reaffirmed its support for any measures, whether domestic or joint, that ensure citizens can live in safety and security, free from terror.
The group concluded that the swift and coordinated military response demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to restoring safety and stability to the affected regions in the Northwest.
