Experts have raised concerns over Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States in the recent airstrike on terrorist targets in Northwest Nigeria.
They caution that such operations could have unintended consequences for the country.
Ahmad Isma’il, a diplomacy expert, cautioned Nigeria against uncritical participation in joint military operations with the United States.
He warned that such engagements should be approached with care.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, he said the U.S. does not intervene out of goodwill.
“If anyone believes America is in Nigeria to protect us, they should think again. The United States always acts in pursuit of its own interests,” he stated.
Isma’il also questioned the Federal Government’s handling of the operation.
“Trump said he sanctioned the strike against those responsible for the supposed Christian Genocide. Meanwhile, Nigeria says it collaborated to attack insurgents. This difference shows the government may not have full control.”
“We have seen what the U.S. has done in other resource-rich countries. There is no guarantee their presence is solely to fight insecurity. And now, Nigeria cannot easily stop them,” he added.
Also speaking with DAILYPOST, a security expert Captain Abdullahi Bakoji (rtd) noted that the airstrike has both advantages and risks.
“With U.S. drones and satellites, surveillance and intelligence gathering will improve. Precision attacks can demoralise insurgents and even strengthen our military if we benefit from training,” he said.
However, Bakoji warned that such actions could affect Nigeria’s sovereignty. “If people don’t understand what is happening, foreign military presence may be seen as interference. Insurgents could use this for propaganda, convincing youths that America wants to take over.”
He also stressed the risks to civilians.
“Airstrikes based on poor intelligence can harm innocent people, causing anger and unrest. This is only a short-term solution. Nigeria’s insecurity has deep-rooted causes that military action alone cannot fix.”
Recall that on Friday, 26 December, the United States Department of War released a video on X showing the strike on Jabo in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack came after a post by Trump, which was followed by comments from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who spoke about the killing of Christians in Nigeria and warned that tougher action would follow if the violence did not stop.
Trump said the strike was ordered by him as Commander in Chief, explaining that U.S. forces carried out a strong military operation against ISIS fighters in Northwest Nigeria.
He claimed the group had been attacking and killing mainly Christians, describing the violence as severe and longstanding.
The Federal Government also confirmed that cooperation with the U.S. led to precise airstrikes in the North-West.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the U.S., to address terrorism and violent extremism.”
According to the Ministry, the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other support “consistent with international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional security.”
