A Nigerian journalist has publicly called on United States President Donald Trump to significantly broaden the scope of military action against ISIS terrorists beyond the recent strikes in Sokoto State.
Viral Appeal for Expanded Military Campaign
The appeal was made by journalist Yakubu Musa in a social media post that has since gone viral. His statement came just hours after President Trump confirmed U.S. military action against ISIS targets within Nigerian territory.
Musa argued that for the war against the terrorist group to be decisive, it must be comprehensive. "If Trump is declaring war on ISIS, he must do it comprehensively. They are everywhere in the Sahel," he wrote.
Five Key Locations Identified
In his detailed post, the journalist specifically named five neighboring countries where he believes ISIS affiliates have established bases and require targeting. He urged the U.S. President to expand operations beyond the shelling of Jabo in Sokoto.
The five locations he listed are:
- Mali
- Niger
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Cameroon
Musa also referenced the "Timbuktu Triangle," a notorious zone in the Sahel, questioning if the so-called ISIS governor in the region had relocated to Sokoto. He suggested that U.S. reconnaissance flights have likely already mapped these areas extensively.
Call for Elimination of Notorious Terrorist
The journalist explicitly stated that the elimination of a high-profile terrorist leader would be a significant victory. He expressed particular interest in the fate of Bello Turji, a wanted terrorist figure operating in the region.
"Right now, I am holding my breath. I will have my excitement aroused when I hear that Bello Turji was hit in the ‘Merry Christmas’ bombing of Jabo," Musa declared, linking his hopes to the confirmed U.S. airstrike.
Mixed Public Reactions
The journalist's direct appeal to a foreign leader sparked a range of reactions from the Nigerian public online, highlighting deep-seated concerns about sovereignty and security.
One user, Samuel, questioned the advice, suggesting the focus should be on the Nigerian military. "Oga are you teaching the US Army their job? Your post cautioning should be directed to the Nigerian Army who are known for compromise," he commented.
Another commenter, Aliyu, expressed caution about foreign military interventions, drawing parallels with other nations. "Abinda ake gudu da tsoro ya riga ya zo... we know they've hidden agenda which only time will tells," he wrote, referencing past U.S. actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
However, Abubakar offered a stark perspective on sovereignty and security failures. He argued that a nation forfeits its right to complain about foreign intervention when it fails to protect its own citizens from terrorist threats, making discussions about civilian casualties or sovereignty less pertinent.
The call from Yakubu Musa underscores the complex dynamics of international counter-terrorism cooperation in the Sahel, the desperation of citizens affected by terrorism, and the ongoing debate about national sovereignty versus external security assistance. The U.S. airstrike in Sokoto on December 25, 2025, has clearly opened a new chapter in the regional fight against ISIS-affiliated groups.
