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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
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Hybrid Forces, have intercepted a suspected arms courier vehicle and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment along the Sokoto-Zaria-Kaduna highway.
Security sources disclosed that the operation, conducted on June 21 based on credible intelligence, targeted a vehicle suspected to be conveying arms to Kogi State.
The sources said the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the security operatives.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Beretta pistols with 9mm ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios and three camouflage jackets.
According to the sources, the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and exploitation.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect as well as uncover the network behind the arms movement.
They noted that the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led security efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal arms and ammunition across the country.
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday joined top Nigerian security leaders at the Fourth Nigeria-United Kingdom Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and other senior security stakeholders.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Ribadu and Jonathan Powell, and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing shared strategic interests between both countries.
Participants discussed ways of enhancing collaboration in areas such as defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and regional security.
Security officials noted that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom remained vital to efforts aimed at tackling security threats and promoting stability.
They added that the partnership had continued to support the development of military and security capabilities through training, technical assistance and strategic engagements.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with national and international partners to strengthen security, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability in line with the Federal Government’s security objectives.
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
By: Zagazola Makama
- Court Fixes June 30 To Hear Appeal on Bench Warrant
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered that politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, be sent back to the Kuje Correctional Centre until June 30 when his application for the setting aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application would be considered.
On Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar, revoked the December 2025 bail he granted Sowore “based on self-recognition”, and ordered that the politician be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Before the revocation of the bail, Justice Umar had ordered Sowore to open his defence in a matter of alleged cybercrime brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the resumed hearing of the matter, on Wednesday, Sowore’s lawyer, R. O. Adakonye, who stood in for Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing of their application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of the bail of the defendant on account of his absence in court on 16th June, 2026.
The prosecution lawyer, A. T. Kehinde ,SAN, however, opposed the application filed by the defence. He told the court have he had filed a counter-affidavit urging the Court to refuse the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail against Sowore.
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the matter to June 30, 2026 for ruling on the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application.
The defence lawyer begged the court to release Sowore to him, with a promise to bring the politician to court hon June 30. The judge declined the defence lawyer’s request and insisted that Sowore be taken back to Kuje Correctional Centre.
The DSS resorted to prosecuting Sowore for alleged cyber-bullying after several unsuccessful appeals to make him pull down posts he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts in August 2025, calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
Troops Recover Over 2,400 Rustled Livestock After Clash with Terrorists in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
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