Falana, Jibrin, Others React as US Soldiers Storm Nigeria
- A Nigerian coalition has condemned the United States soldiers' presence in the country, and see the move as a threat to national sovereignty
- The critics urged Nigeria to strengthen its own security forces instead of relying on foreign troops
- They further stated that history warns against surrendering sovereignty for expediency
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - A coalition of prominent Nigerian lawyers, academics, and civil society leaders has reacted to the presence of United States soldiers in Nigeria.
About 100 US military personnel arrived in Nigeria to support the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Source: Getty Images
According to the Defence Headquarters, the collaboration focused on training and intelligence-sharing amid Nigeria's security challenges.
The coalition said the US military presence is a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for foreign interference.
The notable Nigerians said the presence of US soldiers raises serious constitutional and sovereignty concerns.
As reported by Daily Trust, this is contained in a joint statement titled “No to Foreign Forces in Our Land: Defend Our Sovereignty.”
Falana and others warned against what they described as a creeping neo-colonial arrangement.
“Rather than outsourcing our security, Nigeria should fully equip and modernise the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces, strengthen intelligence coordination, improve welfare and morale of troops, invest in domestic defence production, and address socio-economic drivers of insecurity.”
They warned that sovereignty is not a ceremonial concept but the foundation of statehood.
According to the group, history teaches us that sovereignty surrendered in the name of expediency is rarely easily reclaimed.
“Once foreign troops are stationed on national soil without transparent constitutional processes, sovereignty is diluted—incrementally, perhaps quietly—but meaningfully."
Prof Jibrin Ibrahim said American security interventions in other countries have not necessarily resulted in lasting peace or stability.
“In which country has America offered to help in security, led to improved security? There is none in the world. All their external involvements have been to deepen insecurity, rather than to improve the security situation.”
Source: Facebook
Airstrikes in Nigeria: Pentagon thanks FG
Recall that the United States War Department thanked Nigeria for cooperating after air strikes against ISIS-linked militants.
President Donald Trump previously announced further military action if attacks on civilians continue
Shortly after the launch of airstrikes, AFRICOM confirmed it was aimed at degrading ISIS's operational capacity.
Read more stories on the US military/soldiers in Nigeria:
- Full List: How to Join the US Military as a Nigerian, Requirements, and Age Limits Mentioned
- War on Insecurity: US Military Aircraft Drops Ammo in Borno after Boko Haram Attacks
- Killings: Details of FG's Agreement with Trump's Govt Emerge as US Military Storms Nigeria
- Is It True That US Soldiers Are In Nigeria? Fresh Development Emerges
- U.S. Is Sending 200 Troops to Nigeria a Fresh Development Emerges
US delivers military supplies to Nigeria.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States forces delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria in Abuja to bolster ongoing operations.
The delivery of the military equipment underscored the improving US-Nigeria security partnership after US President Trump had denigrated Nigeria.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) shared more details about the military supplies to Nigeria.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
