The director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Kayode Soremekun and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Botswana and former Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo, have hailed the Federal Government and United States military operations against Islamic jihadists in the North West.
President Donald Trump had stated that he ordered the air strikes against ISIL fighters in northwest Nigeria, claiming that the armed group had “targeted and viciously” killed “primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!”
But, the Federal Government confirmed the attacks but dismisses Trump’s assertions, saying armed groups target both Muslim and Christian communities in the country.
Those interviewed by The Nation submitted that Nigeria’s primary concern must remain its national interest.
According to them, any cooperation that strengthens the country’s capacity to neutralise groups responsible for killing Nigerians, destabilising communities, and undermining state authority is consistent with that interest.
Reacting on the attacks, Prof. Osaghae said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clearly articulated the country’s position on security cooperation, describing it as part of established international collaboration aimed at tackling security threats that endanger not only Nigeria, but global peace and stability.
The NIIA boss explained that the ministry emphasised that terrorism has evolved beyond isolated, domestic concerns and now carries transnational and global dimensions, making international cooperation both necessary and inevitable.
According to him, Nigeria’s engagement with global partners like the U.S. aligned with international conventions and the rule of law, without compromising the nation’s sovereignty.
He noted that Nigeria has consistently supported global partnerships that advance the safety and interests of its citizens while contributing to international peace and security.
Responding to concerns about reliance on foreign assistance, he insisted that Nigeria has not abdicated its primary responsibility as a sovereign nation to protect its territory and people. Rather, cooperation with international partners complements Nigeria’s own efforts in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
Prof. Osaghae recalled Nigeria’s leadership role in initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, noting that security threats today are both territorial and transnational, spanning ground and aerial domains. With advances in modern warfare and surveillance technology, no single nation can effectively confront such challenges alone, he submitted.
He also pointed to recent actions, including the declaration of a national emergency on security, as evidence of intensified domestic efforts.
“Over the past months, Nigeria has significantly increased its security operations, ensuring that all relevant agencies are fully engaged.
He added that the current international cooperation forms part of Nigeria’s rapid and robust response to escalating security challenges, reinforcing—not replacing—the country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.
Prof. Ogunsanwo, in an interview with The Nation, said from a foreign affairs and diplomatic perspective, Nigeria’s cooperation with the United States on security matters was neither new nor unexpected.
According to him, calls for U.S. support in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts predate recent developments and were made openly by Nigerian lawmakers and successive administrations.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari, during his engagements in Washington, consistently urged the United States to maintain a security presence in the region to assist in combating terrorism.
“While those appeals did not yield immediate action at the time, the current cooperation reflects a convergence of interests between both countries rather than a sudden shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy posture.
“The Nigerian government’s position has always been that terrorism is not confined to a single region or state but represents a collective threat requiring coordinated responses.
“Recent attention on the North-West, including Sokoto and neighbouring areas, aligns with intelligence assessments that violent extremist activity has intensified there.,” the former diplomat said.
Prof. Ogunsanwo noted that allegations that elements within government might be complicit in supporting terrorists are not new and have surfaced under previous administrations.
“However, such claims remain largely speculative unless backed by credible evidence. The more critical issue is whether current actions are undertaken with the consent and collaboration of the Nigerian government. If they are—and all indications suggest they are—then the matter falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign right to seek assistance in protecting its citizens.
“In terms of foreign policy implications, Nigeria’s primary concern must remain its national interest. Any cooperation that strengthens the country’s capacity to neutralise groups responsible for killing Nigerians, destabilising communities, and undermining state authority is consistent with that interest.
“Internationally, such collaboration does not diminish Nigeria’s standing; rather, it reinforces its image as a responsible actor willing to engage partners to address transnational security threats.
“There is also no basis for external actors to object to such cooperation, except terrorist groups and their sympathisers who stand to lose from increased pressure. These groups do not represent Nigeria’s interests nor its sovereignty.
“Ultimately, Nigeria’s foreign policy is judged not by abstract notions of prestige but by its effectiveness in safeguarding lives, territory, and stability. If cooperation with the United States advances those objectives, then it is both diplomatically legitimate and strategically sound,” he said.
In his interview with The Nation, Prof. Soremekun said if Nigerian authorities were consulted before the action, then it was appropriate. According to him, if the operation achieved its objective of neutralising forces considered harmful to Nigeria’s security, then it should be supported.
He noted, however, that militancy—particularly religious militancy—is a continuous phenomenon.
He argued that the federal government must take over by consolidating the gains of such operations. “If the forces are sufficiently neutralised and, in the process, Nigeria succeeds in building its own capacity, then the country will eventually be able to take full control,” he said.
Prof. Soremekun warned that internal sabotage remains a serious challenge. He stated that, more often than not, the enemy exists within, pointing to individuals inside the system who allegedly supply intelligence and weapons to terrorist groups.
He expressed hope that such internal threats would be decisively addressed.
While acknowledging the role of the United States, he stressed that Nigeria cannot rely on foreign support indefinitely.
He questioned the fundamental interest of the U.S. in the operation, noting that such motivations are best understood by policymakers in the U.S. State Department, the Pentagon, and the military-industrial complex.
He added that Nigeria must also clearly define its own interests, asking whether those interests lie with the Federal Government, the affected state governments, or the local communities where the operations take place.
According to him, Nigeria must clearly articulate its priorities and ensure that its national interests—and those of its people—are adequately protected.
