In a bold and much-needed step, the United States has decided to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to train our military in combating Islamist militants like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This intervention, coming on the heels of US airstrikes against suspected IS targets on Christmas Day 2025, is not just timely—it’s essential.
As someone deeply concerned about Nigeria’s future, I see this as a welcome development that highlights the glaring inadequacies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in handling our nation’s security crisis. Tinubu’s repeated vows to crush terrorism have amounted to little more than empty rhetoric, leaving Nigerians vulnerable and desperate for external help.
The US move isn’t an infringement on sovereignty; it’s a lifeline we sorely need.
Let’s be blunt: Under Tinubu, insecurity has not only persisted but escalated, turning vast swaths of the country into no-go zones. Despite his promises since taking office in 2023, attacks by militants, bandits, and kidnappers continue unabated, particularly in the north. Tinubu has described terrorism as “unacceptable” and “alien” to our culture, even admitting it keeps him “sleepless at night.”
Yet, his administration’s efforts such as declaring unauthorized armed groups as terrorists or vague pledges for mechanization have failed to stem the tide.
Critics, including US lawmakers, have accused the government of a “culture of denial,” even spending millions on PR firms to downplay the killings of Christians and others. Opposition figures like those from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) go further, arguing that the rampant violence proves Nigeria effectively has “no government” under Tinubu.
This isn’t hyperbole; it’s the harsh reality for millions displaced, bereaved, or living in fear.
The economic toll is equally devastating. Tinubu himself acknowledges that insecurity acts as a “chokehold” on growth, stifling investment and development. His Renewed Hope National Development Plan for 2026–2030 sounds ambitious, but without security, it’s just another paper promise. Foreign investors flee, farmers abandon fields, and communities crumble all while the administration dithers.
Analyses show a worsening north-south divide in security, with the north bearing the brunt of escalating violence. If Tinubu’s leadership were effective, we wouldn’t need foreign troops to teach our military basics like intelligence gathering and tactical operations.
That’s why the US deployment is such a good thing. These 200 troops will focus on training and advisory roles, not combat, ensuring Nigerian forces maintain control a smart, collaborative approach requested by Abuja itself.
Drawing on proven US expertise in counterterrorism, this partnership can equip our soldiers with the tools to finally turn the tide against ISWAP’s intensified attacks on convoys and civilians. President Trump’s criticism of Nigeria’s failure to protect religious minorities adds moral weight, pushing for accountability that Tinubu’s government has dodged.
In a region where threats are transnational, isolating ourselves isn’t strength it’s folly. This help could stabilize the north, boost the economy, and restore faith in governance.
Of course, some will cry foul about sovereignty, likening it to unwanted foreign meddling.
But let’s face facts: Nigeria recently aided Benin Republic against a coup, showing we’re fine with international cooperation when it suits us.
The real threat to sovereignty is a leader incapable of securing his own borders. Tinubu’s critics argue his policies have deepened poverty and instability, making external intervention not just welcome but inevitable.
Rather than resist, we should embrace this as a catalyst for domestic reforms addressing corruption, poverty, and governance failures that fuel insurgency.
In conclusion, the US troop deployment is a positive, strategic move that exposes and compensates for Tinubu’s shortcomings. It’s a vote of no confidence in his security strategy, but one that could save lives and rebuild our nation. Nigerians deserve better than sleepless nights and unfulfilled promises; this partnership offers a path to real progress.
Let’s hope it forces Tinubu to step up or step aside for the good of us all.
E-signed:Hon Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
