The US Air Strike At ISIS Base In Nigeria -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

I have monitored with interest the reactions of Nigerians to the reported bombardment of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) which has infiltrated into Nigeria through the Sahel region, base in Sokoto State where they are allegedly regrouping for the purpose of launching attack on Nigerian territory, by the American troops. According to official report, the US military fired Tomahawk missiles launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning and reconnaissance, at the terrorists. The primary aim being to neutralize them and halt their sustained attacks on civilians, particularly Christians. The strikes were directed at the Bauni Forest Axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the area said to be the place the ISIS and their agents are using as a base to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attack on Nigerian territory.

Officially, the attack was appraised to be successful as many of the terrorist were killed including the notorious Bello Turji Kachalla, one of the most wanted bandits in Nigeria while the surviving members of the group are said to be in disarray and have taken flight for safety. There was no reported case of civilian casualty in the well-coordinated operation.

After the attack, the American President Mr. Trump was quoted as declaring, “Tonight at my direction as commander in chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years and even centuries”. Mr. Trump says this is just the beginning while the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says more of such attacks will come. Recall that earlier last month, the US has designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” under the US International Religious Freedom ACT. So, these air strikes against terrorists target is a follow-up to the US warning against the slaughter of innocent citizens in Nigeria.

Expectedly, while many Nigerians view the American intervention as a welcome development, some especially the religious fundamentalists and crank ideologues see it differently. I am on the side of those who believe that the American intervention is necessary. What benefit will it be if Nigeria harbors ISIS or any terrorist organization in its territory? According to Wikipedia, the ISIS group is a notorious militant organization that has proclaimed itself to be a worldwide Caliphate and claimed religious and political superiority over all Muslims worldwide. It is designated by the United Nations and many other countries around the world including Muslim countries as a terrorist organization. So, imagine the grave implication of having such a terrorist organization getting a foothold in Nigeria. Nigeria ranked as one of the most terrorized country in the world at present with Boko-haram, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), bandits and many ethnic militia groups operating within its territory.

If the government cannot successfully prosecute the war against terrorism, as it is obvious what is wrong in asking for external help? The government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed woefully in the task of “Protecting lives, safeguarding national unity and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens irrespective of faith or ethnicity” and hence the help from America is a welcome development. The US has the right intelligence, the armament and the technology to battle the terrorists that have overran Nigeria under Tinubu’s watch. Tinubu and his team of propagandists are interested in ethnic dominance, how to manipulate the next election and hold on to power rather than provide security and attend to the yearnings of the people.

And for those claiming that the strike was a violation of our territorial integrity or sovereignty, they must know that the whole operations has the knowledge and approval of the Nigerian government according to the information from the minister of Information and national Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris. It is foolish pride to talk about sovereignty when you cannot effectively protect your territory from terrorists. The existence of terrorism anywhere is a potential danger to world peace and therefore justifies American involvement. Those talking about intervention should remember that the Nigeria military intervened to quell mutiny in Benin Republic a few weeks ago. The Nigerian government under Tinubu hasn’t the capacity or the willingness to fight insecurity. Their fixation is on primordial interests. Therefore, we should be grateful for the intervention of America in this regard.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com

An actress, social activist, politician

London, UK