Two members of the House of Representatives have voiced contrasting opinions on Senator Ali Ndume’s recent call for the deployment of United States troops to Nigeria, in response to escalating insecurity in the North-East.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ndume advocated for US soldiers to be deployed to Borno State to assist in tackling insurgency and banditry.
The involvement of the Americans in combating insurgency is a welcome development. We have long sought this support and made numerous attempts to secure it, but to no avail. Now that we have this opportunity, we must take advantage of it. Our main challenge in this fight has been a lack of certain resources, which America has now agreed to provide at no cost, Ndume stated.
Commenting on the matter, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, stressed the need to clarify the role of the 200 US troops currently in Nigeria.
The issue isn’t about numbers, but about the specific roles and capabilities they bring to support the Nigerian Armed Forces. Our focus is currently on training and technology that will improve our ability to defeat our adversaries, Benson explained.
He further questioned critics of the initiative: Would those opposed to such support rather see the nation continue to suffer from insecurity, terrorism, banditry, and constant kidnappings? If there is a crucial capacity gap to fill, then it should be addressed. If not, there is no need for additional help.
In contrast, Alhassan Rurum, Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force and a representative from Kano, argued that with adequate funding and equipment, Nigeria’s military could handle the nation’s security challenges without foreign involvement.
I do not support the deployment of American troops to Nigeria. Our Armed Forces are fully capable of managing our security issues. What they need is proper funding and modern equipment, Rurum said.
Middle Belt Forum backs Ndume
On Sunday, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) endorsed Ndume’s proposal, while urging US troops to act professionally in counter-terrorism operations.
Dr. Bitrus Pogu, National President of the MBF, described the plan as positive but called on the US government to pay close attention to intelligence and the operational environment.
Intelligence is vital, and it seems the US is already gathering it. They also need to carefully assess those sent to evaluate the situation, Pogu remarked.
He warned, however, that internal compromises within Nigerian security agencies could complicate collaboration with foreign forces.
A foreign military will face challenges operating here. If they are to work alongside Nigerian soldiers and police, thorough intelligence and study are necessary,” he added.
He suggested that US forces could provide air support while Nigerian troops conduct ground operations, leveraging the US’s technological advantage.
The ultimate goal is to eliminate terrorists and restore peace nationwide. We support any effort toward that end,” Pogu said.
The MBF also advocated for deeper security partnerships, including more troops, advanced weapons systems, and improved intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the US.
There has been a worrying increase in terrorist activities across the Middle Belt. Communities are under frequent attack, lives are lost, and many are displaced. Despite Nigeria’s defence cooperation agreement with the US, terrorists seem emboldened, as if mocking the partnership,” said MBF spokesman Luka Binniyat.
If foreign military assistance can weaken terror networks, enhance intelligence, and restore confidence in affected communities, it should be welcomed. The security and survival of our people must come first. The Middle Belt cannot afford hesitation in confronting terror, Binniyat added.
Arewa Consultative Forum calls for clarity
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said it has yet to take a definitive stance on Ndume’s proposal, citing a lack of clarity regarding the details of the proposed US military involvement.
The ACF is concerned that the full details of US military involvement have not been made public. There are legal and constitutional implications, including the need for National Assembly approval since it involves foreign troops operating on Nigerian soil, said ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba.
Northern Christians express support
The Forum of Northern Christians and the Federal Capital Territory, led by Chairman Joseph Hayab, endorsed Ndume’s proposal.
There is nothing wrong with the US supporting Nigeria to help stem terrorist attacks. Protecting lives and property is paramount, and any partnership that effectively confronts insecurity should be embraced, Hayab said.
Coalition of Northern Groups expresses mixed feelings
Mohammed Deba, Gombe State Chairman of the Coalition of Northern Groups, said the organisation was partially supportive but raised concerns over foreign intervention.
Recently, we supported other African countries in their peacekeeping efforts, so why can’t we resolve our own security challenges? Technically, we are in support, but at the same time, we are not, Deba remarked.
