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Insecurity: Only Nigerian Forces Can Defeat Terrorists — Ex Army Chief Warns

Published

5 days ago

February 7, 2026

Insecurity: Only Nigerian Forces Can Defeat Terrorists — Ex Army Chief Warns

A former Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, Major General Ijioma N. Ijioma (rtd), has cautioned Nigerians against expecting United States troops recently deployed to Nigeria to directly confront bandits and terrorists on the battlefield, stressing that the burden of defeating insurgency rests squarely on Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

The warning follows the arrival of a small US military team in Nigeria to support ongoing efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats. The Head of the US Military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, had earlier said the deployment was part of enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the US, aimed at bringing “unique capabilities” to the fight against terrorism.

While details of the team’s size and mandate were not disclosed, findings indicate that the US troops will focus mainly on intelligence gathering, technical assistance, and operational support, rather than direct combat.

Speaking on the development, Gen. Ijioma (rtd) accused Nigeria’s leadership of lacking the political will required to decisively crush insurgency, arguing that foreign involvement would not have been necessary if decisive actions had been taken earlier.

According to him, if the 1967 Biafran insurgency had been handled with the same restraint currently shown toward Boko Haram and armed bandits, Nigeria might not have remained united.

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“If the Federal Government had treated the Biafran insurgency the way bandits and Boko Haram are treated today, there would have been a Biafra Republic by now,” he said.

The retired general urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders, questioning why terrorists continue to enjoy what he described as leniency, despite ongoing killings across the country.

He also warned that the United States does not deploy its troops without strategic interests, urging Nigerians to ask what form of agreement or compensation exists between both countries.

“The US does not risk the lives of its soldiers for nothing,” he said.

Gen. Ijioma insisted that recent foreign-assisted airstrikes on terrorist camps had not significantly weakened insurgents, noting that Nigerian fighter jets are capable of reaching any location within the country.

“The strike the US carried out in Sokoto and Kwara — is there anywhere our aircraft cannot reach? There is no place within Nigeria that our fighter jets cannot bomb. What we lack is political will,” he argued.

He further questioned why Nigeria could swiftly deploy troops and fighter jets to Benin Republic to quell an attempted coup, while bandits continue to operate freely within Nigeria.

“Fighter jets went to Benin Republic on the President’s order. What does that tell you? It tells you clearly that there is no political will,” he said.

Gen. Ijioma emphasized that the role of US troops would be limited to training, intelligence sharing, and logistical and technical support, adding that they would not engage terrorists directly on Nigerian soil.

He recalled past military cooperation with the US during the first tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when American personnel reportedly occupied parts of the Defence Headquarters — a move strongly opposed by the late Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Victor Malu, which allegedly led to his removal.

Adding his voice, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Goodwin Nwobodo, warned that the success of the collaboration depends on Nigeria’s willingness to cooperate genuinely, especially in intelligence sharing.

He noted that previous collaborations failed due to lack of trust, stressing that US forces could only provide technical know-how, not fight Nigeria’s war.

“Under international law, they are here to support Nigeria. They cannot operate independently unless there is a full military intervention, which would create serious complications,” he said.

Meanwhile, several security experts welcomed the collaboration but urged the Federal Government to make bold demands for advanced military hardware, modern intelligence technology, and improved training and welfare for frontline troops.

A former ECOMOG officer, Captain Effiong Eyo (rtd), called on Nigeria to leverage its strategic importance to demand heavy military equipment and enhanced intelligence capabilities from the US, arguing that political constraints — not capacity — have hindered Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

Other stakeholders, including conflict resolution experts, security consultants, and regional leaders, agreed that while foreign assistance is necessary, lasting peace would only come with strong political resolve, adequate equipment, motivated personnel, and transparent leadership.

Insecurity: Only Nigerian Forces Can Defeat Terrorists — Ex Army Chief Warns

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Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

Published

8 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination was formally conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006, which mandates Senate approval before the appointment can take effect. The President urged lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process to ensure stability and continuity at the commission, especially as preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise gather momentum.

The development follows the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after about 14 months in office as NAHCON Chairman. Although official details surrounding his resignation were not fully disclosed, his tenure was marked by efforts to reposition the commission and enhance coordination of Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.

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His exit comes at a sensitive period when logistical planning, airlift arrangements, accommodation coordination, and pilgrim welfare services for the upcoming Hajj are intensifying. Stakeholders in the Hajj industry have emphasized the importance of swift leadership confirmation to avoid disruptions in preparations.

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. During his diplomatic assignment, he played key roles in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

If confirmed by the Senate, Yusuf will assume responsibility for overseeing Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah operations, including the welfare and coordination of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims traveling annually to Saudi Arabia. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the statutory body responsible for organizing, supervising, and regulating Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims, as well as ensuring their welfare in Saudi Arabia.

The Senate is expected to schedule a confirmation hearing where Ambassador Yusuf will be screened by lawmakers. Upon approval, he will formally assume office as NAHCON Chairman, taking charge of preparations for the 2026 Hajj season.

The nomination is seen as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen key institutions and ensure effective service delivery in religious affairs management.

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

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Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

Published

10 hours ago

February 11, 2026

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday officially presented allocation letters to 180 traders affected by the redevelopment of Alabarago Market in Ojo Local Government Area, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to modernize markets and support small businesses. The ceremony took place at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) office in Ikeja GRA, with Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Renewal, handing over the letters.

Dr. Babatunde explained that former shop occupiers were given first right of refusal and flexible payment options. Beneficiaries can pay 60 percent upfront, with the remaining balance payable over six months, or opt for a 25 percent initial payment if unable to meet the larger installment. He noted that the state collaborated with financial institutions to redevelop the market under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which includes the transformation of 21 markets across Lagos, including Katangwa, Pelewura, Jankara, and Alabarago.

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The redevelopment has converted Alabarago, the largest cattle market in West Africa, into the modern Alaba Transnational Market, featuring 3,000 shops and 1.2 kilometers of newly constructed roads linking the market to main access routes. Ground-floor shops are priced at ₦13 million each, while upper-floor units cost ₦10 million, both subsidized by the government to ease affordability for traders.

Dr. Babatunde commended the collaborative efforts of agencies and partners supporting the project, including LABSCA, the Urban Renewal Agency, United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Hussain Lajawa, Chairman of Central Alabarago Market, praised the government for delivering on its promise to develop a market to international standards. He urged the authorities to expedite road construction and access infrastructure to ensure smooth business operations for traders relocating to the new market.

The allocation of shops to displaced traders underscores Lagos State’s commitment to economic empowerment, modern market infrastructure, and business continuity, while cushioning the impact of displacement caused by urban redevelopment projects. The move is expected to revitalize local commerce, particularly in the Ojo area, and strengthen Lagos State’s small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) sector.

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

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US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Published

10 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five United States lawmakers have introduced a bill in the US Congress seeking to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and other actors over alleged persecution of Christians and severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It directs the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations and the measures taken to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt states.

Under the bill, the US government could impose targeted sanctions, including Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions, asset freezes, and visa bans on individuals or entities responsible for religious persecution. It also allows the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reflecting growing concern over violence affecting Christian populations.

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Lawmakers cited estimates that between 2009 and 2025, between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with more than 19,000 churches destroyed. They highlighted recent incidents, including attacks in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve massacres of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks of 2024 and 2025, which collectively left thousands dead and displaced over half a million people. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for 72 percent of Christians killed worldwide.

The bill also calls for the provision of humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations. It encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen religious freedom, peace, and accountability.

Sponsors stressed that the future of US–Nigeria relations would depend on the Nigerian government’s response to these alleged atrocities, asserting that Nigeria could strengthen ties with Washington and play a stabilising role in the Sahel region if it takes concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and combat religious violence.

The legislation follows prior US actions, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under President Donald Trump, aimed at addressing ongoing religious freedom violations and promoting accountability for perpetrators of sectarian violence.