Afenifere Backs U.S. Airstrike on Terrorists in North-West Nigeria, Hails Joint Security Action

Afenifere Backs U.S. Airstrike on Terrorists in North-West Nigeria, Hails Joint Security Action

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed strong support for the United States airstrike on suspected terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria, describing the operation as timely and necessary amid persistent insecurity across the region.

Afenifere’s endorsement followed confirmation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) that the air operation was carried out by U.S. forces with the approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria, based on shared intelligence between Nigeria and the United States.

The strike was also confirmed on Thursday night by U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced that American forces had targeted terrorist elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West.

In a statement issued on Friday in Akure, Ondo State, and signed by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, Afenifere said the operation was justified given the continued terrorist attacks, abductions, and destruction of lives and property in affected communities.

According to the group, previous efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves in the region had been largely inadequate, allowing insecurity to fester.

READ ALSO:

• Reps Order Review of New Tax Laws Over Alleged Post-Passage Alterations
• Gunmen Kill Couple During Night Church Attack in Niger
• Police Arrest Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover AK-47, Ransom Cash in Kwara Operation

“The recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the joint air strikes conducted by Nigerian and United States military forces against ISIS terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria were executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities is both timely and necessary,” Afenifere said.

The organisation added that criticism of U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations was misplaced, stressing that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.

Afenifere attributed Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity to years of governance and security lapses, which it said created fertile ground for extremist groups to take root.

“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States deserves recognition, not condemnation,” the statement noted. “The vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance has, regrettably, invited the intervention of capable partners who understand the urgency of the situation.”

The group further argued that national sovereignty should be defined by a nation’s ability to secure its territory and protect its citizens, rather than political rhetoric.

Afenifere commended the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the joint operation and urged Nigerians to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

“True sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure the nation’s borders,” the group said, calling for unity and constructive collaboration against terrorism.

Reaffirming its stance, Afenifere pledged continued support for domestic and joint security measures aimed at restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

Afenifere Backs U.S. Airstrike on Terrorists in North-West Nigeria, Hails Joint Security Action