A retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General John Enenche, has strongly defended the recent United States airstrikes on suspected Islamic State enclaves in northwest Nigeria, insisting that opposition to the operation is motivated by personal or economic interests rather than genuine concern for national security or sovereignty.
Speaking during a televised interview, Enenche described the airstrikes carried out in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State as timely, necessary, and long overdue. He argued that Nigeria has grappled with terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism for more than two decades without achieving a decisive breakthrough, despite adopting various strategies including negotiations, amnesty programmes, and prolonged military campaigns.
According to the retired general, the prolonged insecurity has resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives, massive displacement of communities, destruction of livelihoods, and severe economic setbacks, particularly in northern Nigeria. He said the intervention by the United States signals a potential turning point in the country’s long running battle against terrorism and transnational criminal networks.
Enenche stated that the U.S. action demonstrated clear international commitment to Nigeria’s security challenges, adding that open support from a global power sends a strong warning to terrorist groups operating within and across Nigeria’s borders. He linked the airstrikes to earlier assurances by U.S. leadership to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity.
Reflecting on his years of service, Enenche recalled being deployed to conflict affected areas more than 20 years ago, where he personally witnessed the devastation caused by insurgency and communal violence. He stressed that security should not be viewed solely from a military perspective but as a broader issue encompassing human security, economic stability, social cohesion, and national development.
He dismissed concerns that U.S. military involvement could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or draw the country into foreign conflicts, arguing that international military cooperation has previously worked in Nigeria’s favour. He cited Nigeria’s peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Congo as examples of successful multinational collaboration.
The former army spokesman also addressed criticisms regarding the intelligence behind the strikes, stating that the level of precision clearly indicated advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities. According to him, such intelligence driven operations are crucial in neutralising terrorist staging and assembly areas that are often hidden in difficult terrain.
However, Enenche emphasised that Nigeria must retain primary responsibility for securing its territory. He noted that while foreign partners may provide intelligence and air support, Nigerian security forces must lead ground operations. He also called on state and local governments to play more active roles in supporting federal security efforts through logistics, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.
Enenche further warned that corruption, internal sabotage, and weak governance could undermine the gains achieved through military operations if not decisively addressed. He urged the Federal Government to confront complicity within the security system, stressing that no individual, regardless of rank, should be shielded from accountability.
Reacting to growing criticism of the airstrikes, Enenche accused opponents of undermining national interest. He claimed that individuals and groups condemning the U.S. intervention were either detached from the realities faced by victims of insecurity or were directly benefiting from the prevailing instability.
He also rejected arguments that Nigeria’s international image would be damaged by foreign military assistance, insisting that the protection of lives must take precedence over reputational concerns. According to him, Nigeria’s image has already suffered due to prolonged insecurity and corruption, and decisive action to save lives should be welcomed.
Enenche called for increased deployment of modern technology, including surveillance drones, to sustain pressure on criminal groups. He suggested that collective funding by northern states could support the establishment of regional drone surveillance and strike capabilities to complement federal efforts.
The comments come amid intense national debate over the role of foreign military support in Nigeria’s security architecture. While some analysts and public figures have praised the U.S. strikes as a boost to counterterrorism efforts, others have raised concerns about sovereignty, civilian safety, and long term implications.
Meanwhile, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend all military cooperation with the United States following the airstrikes, warning that American involvement could escalate instability and weaken Nigeria’s sovereignty. His remarks have sparked backlash from security experts and citizens who accuse him of being sympathetic to armed groups.
As discussions continue, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while working with strategic partners to combat terrorism. The debate highlights the deep divisions over how best to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity and the role international allies should play in achieving lasting peace.
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