News
Analysts question US motives in Nigeria, warn against foreign military intervention
Analysts question US motives in Nigeria, warn against foreign military intervention
By: Zagazola Makama
Growing conversations among security analysts and policy observers in Nigeria are questioning what they describe as the United States’ “renewed interest” in Nigerian security, especially following recent international reactions to killings in parts of the North.
In recent weeks, statements by some U.S. politicians and evangelical groups have framed the attacks by armed groups in Nigeria as a “persecution of Christians”, throwing debates among local diplomats and defence experts that the narrative could be used as justification for foreign military involvement.
Several analysts who spoke to Zagazola Makama said history shows that no foreign military power deploys troops across oceans purely on humanitarian grounds.
A geopolitical researcher in Abuja, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, stated: “There is no such thing as military charity. Wherever the U.S. deploys troops, there is a strategic economic interest – oil, minerals, or military positioning.”
He cited examples of American involvement in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, where interventions were initially framed around “rescue missions”, democracy, fighting Islamist Jihadist or counter-terrorism, but ended with prolonged military presence, destruction, or resource access.
According to him, the narrative of a “Christian genocide” could be a psychological operation to create public sympathy and legitimacy for intervention. “Once intervention is framed as saving victims, public resistance becomes weak. That is how foreign bases are negotiated.” said the sources.
Nigeria sits on an estimated 37 billion barrels of crude oil and possesses rare earth minerals, including lithium, uranium, and gold. These are increasingly vital to defence, tech, and energy industries worldwide.
Very soon Nigeria may start receiving proposal suggesting a U.S. military presence in strategic locations tied to resources. Places like Port Harcourt (oil-rich Niger Delta), Tsafe in Zamfara and Sokoto (gold and uranium belt), and Konduga in Borno (reported uranium deposits) as areas repeatedly discussed informally by foreign security actors.
It is a well known fact that the United States holds vast intelligence on all activities of bandits in the North West and ISWAP or Boko Haram terrorists in the North but has declined to share actionable data or lift restrictions on military procurement. Even after Nigeria secured financing to acquire long-range surveillance drones, the U.S. declined to approve the deployment, despite Nigeria meeting all requirements.
US has the biggest surveillance platform in West Africa, they monitor the entire Sahel and West Africa from satellites and aerial ISR platforms. They see every movement of bandits and terrorists. They know their coordinates,” the source said but when it comes to enabling Nigeria to end terrorism, the response becomes diplomatic and procedural.”
He also cited instances where U.S. legislation restricted Nigeria’s access to key military equipment, leading to the prolonged war on terrorism including the recent blocked transaction of equipment from Saudi Arabia.
Security analysts argue that the same countries expressing concern over insecurity frequently frustrate Nigeria’s attempts to strengthen its own capability.
“You cannot claim to be worried about terrorism while blocking the tools needed to fight terrorism,” the analyst said.
In recent years, African countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali have removed U.S. and French military partnerships, accusing Western governments of interference or resource-driven agendas. Transitional leaders in some of these countries have alleged that foreign actors undermined internal political stability. While the U.S. government has repeatedly denied involvement in any such activities, African analysts maintain that Western foreign policy is often transactional.
Despite the concerns, the Nigerian government insists that any international partnerships must respect national sovereignty.
“Nigeria welcomes support, not dominance. Assistance must strengthen Nigeria’s capability, not replace it.”said top Government official.
Analysts question US motives in Nigeria, warn against foreign military intervention
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.
The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.
According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.
Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.
Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.
The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.
According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.
Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.
After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted five workers at a construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Kwara State.
Zagazola report that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday by Alhaji Suleiman Abdullah Olanrewaju, manager of Fix Contracting Engineering Company.
The source said Olanrewaju reported that the abduction occurred earlier in the day at about 11:40 a.m. while the workers were on site when the gunmen attacked and whisked them away.
Those abducted were identified as Engr. Ademola Afolabi, Engr. Umar Lade, Fatai and Akin, both labourers, as well as a driver identified as Yusuf.
According to the source, the complainant said he had earlier reported the incident to the military before notifying the police.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke mobilised a team of police operatives who linked up with the military and local vigilantes to comb the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security agencies said further developments would be communicated.
End
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
