Nigeria Balances Security Needs with Sovereignty in Response to U.S. Offer

Nigeria has stated that while it is open to receiving assistance from the United States in combating Islamist insurgents, such support must fully respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential “fast” military action in Nigeria over what he described as the persecution of Christians in the country.

Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that Nigeria welcomes international cooperation in its fight against terrorism but will not compromise its independence. “We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity,” Bwala said, adding that dialogue between the two nations could lead to stronger joint efforts against extremist groups.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people, has faced years of violence from Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups have carried out deadly attacks on civilians, security forces, and religious communities, destabilizing parts of the northeast and beyond.

The U.S. has long been a security partner to Nigeria, providing training, intelligence, and equipment. However, Trump’s recent remarks, which included sharp criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence, have raised concerns about the tone of future cooperation. Nigerian officials have sought to downplay tensions, stressing that constructive engagement is the best path forward.

Observers note that Nigeria’s insistence on sovereignty reflects a broader trend among African nations wary of foreign intervention, even when facing severe security threats. The challenge now lies in finding a balance between external support and national control, ensuring that counterterrorism efforts strengthen rather than undermine Nigeria’s stability.