Nigeria needs global synergy, cannot face terrorism alone — Tinubu’s aide
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Sunday Dare, highlighted that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism requires strong international cooperation, emphasizing that the country cannot confront this issue alone.
His remarks come at a time of increased concern following the recent abduction of 25 female students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, and the ongoing threats from terrorist groups throughout the nation.
On Wednesday, Dare shared a tweet stressing the essential need for strategic alliances, particularly with the United States, in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism initiatives. He asserted that: “Nigeria does not pretend it can win this war alone, nor should it have to.”
Further emphasizing the importance of this partnership, he stated: “The strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States has been invaluable.”
He highlighted the role of American special forces in offering training to Nigerian naval units during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, noting that this support continued after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.
The Special Adviser remarked: “American special forces trained Nigerian naval units during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, including the period following the Chibok schoolgirl abductions and currently the Maga girls abduction.”
He elaborated on ongoing initiatives: “At present, training, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises are ongoing. Nonetheless, they fall short of addressing the magnitude of the threat,” Dare indicated.
Dare’s comments arise amidst growing international scrutiny regarding Nigeria’s approach to terrorism. Former US President, Donald Trump, late in October, classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged violations of religious freedom. He described what he called an “existential threat” to Christianity due to rampant assaults from extremist groups, including Boko Haram.
Trump also warned that the US Department of War should prepare for “fast, vicious” military intervention, indicating the possibility of cutting off US assistance or potentially taking action “guns-a-blazing” if Nigeria failed to respond adequately.
In reaction, Tinubu had previously rejected the claims as both simplistic and misleading. He argued that the violence in the north-central region arises from intricate issues related to herder-farmer conflicts, banditry, and extremism that impacts both Muslim and Christian communities indiscriminately.
However, the President expressed his willingness to engage in collaborative counter-terrorism efforts, provided they honor Nigeria's sovereignty.
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