Two major socio-political organizations in Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu to accept the United States' offer to combat terrorist groups operating in the country. The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum made this urgent appeal following increased terrorist activities and kidnappings.
Growing Concern Over Terrorist Tactics
In separate interviews with The Guardian on November 24, 2025, both groups expressed serious concerns about the escalating security situation. They highlighted that terrorist organizations appear to be using kidnapped civilians, particularly school children, as human shields against potential airstrikes by foreign forces.
Akin Malaolu, President of Yoruba Ronu, stated that the patterns of recent attacks show clear similarities and indicate strategic planning by terrorist groups. "We are worried over the daily attacks and abductions in daring styles on soft targets," Malaolu emphasized.
The forum noted that terrorists typically use human shields harvested from schools and communities to protect themselves from aerial bombings. They believe this explains the recent surge in mass abductions rather than ransom demands being the primary motive.
Urgent Calls for Government Action
Yoruba Ronu has recommended the immediate closure of schools nationwide to prevent further abductions of children who could be used as human shields. The organization warned that President Donald Trump appears determined to proceed with military action against Nigerian terrorists regardless of congressional approval.
According to Malaolu, major terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru, are aware of the impending threat from American forces and are preparing accordingly.
Similarly, PANDEF spokesman Ominimini Obiuwvbi urged the Nigerian government to stop treating Trump's statements about genocide against Christians as political rhetoric. He emphasized that the daily killings of Nigerians, including children, require immediate and decisive action.
Appeal for International Assistance
PANDEF expressed concern about the renewed attacks since Trump's offer of assistance, noting the vulnerability of Nigeria's security forces. "In a situation where military Generals are killed, police officers are helpless and other security agents are confused, the Nigerian government must embrace foreign assistance," Obiuwvbi stated.
The organization also called for international help in tracing the sponsors and funding sources of terrorist organizations. They lamented that millions of Nigerians remain trapped in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps while the government continues to pretend it can handle the insurgency alone.
Both groups concluded that given Nigeria's apparent inability to address the security crisis effectively, seeking foreign assistance represents the most practical solution. They specifically urged cooperation with the American government to combat the escalating terrorist threat facing the nation.
