Full Breakdown
Nigerian Government's Counter-Terrorism Strategy Under Scrutiny
12/29/2025, 11:19:58 PM
Criticism of Government's Approach to Terrorism
Dr. Obiageli 'Oby' Ezekwesili, a former World Bank Vice President and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for allegedly "cuddling terrorists" through negotiations instead of decisively confronting them. Her remarks followed the abduction and subsequent release of pupils and teachers from St Mary's Private Catholic School in Niger State. Ezekwesili argues that the government's strategy of negotiating with terrorists is enabling their actions and rewarding criminal behavior. She emphasized that a competent government would not tolerate such threats, particularly against children, and called for transparency in negotiations with armed groups.
Recent U.S. Airstrikes and Government Response
On December 25, 2025, the Nigerian government confirmed that President Tinubu approved U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS camps in Sokoto State. The operation, conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), was described as a collaborative effort involving intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Nigerian military. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar stated that the strikes were necessary to weaken terrorist networks and emphasized that they were conducted with respect for Nigeria's sovereignty. However, the operation has raised concerns among critics, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which labeled it a sign of the government's incompetence in handling security issues.
Opposition to Foreign Military Intervention
The ADC criticized the airstrikes as indicative of a governance failure under Tinubu, arguing that allowing foreign military operations on Nigerian soil undermines national sovereignty. They demanded clarity on the operational control and casualty figures from the strikes, asserting that Nigeria should not be reduced to a mere informant in its own security matters. Conversely, the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) defended the government's actions, arguing that the ADC's criticisms were politically motivated and undermined the efforts of Nigerian security forces.
Calls for Decisive Action Against Terrorism
Former Nigerian Ambassador Dr. Yemi Farounbi and Bishop Francis Wale Oke of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have urged the government to take decisive action against terrorism, warning that failure to do so could threaten Nigeria's existence as a sovereign state. Oke condemned the idea of negotiating with terrorists, asserting that such actions could weaken the government from within. He called for a united front against insecurity, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism should not be framed solely in religious terms.
Conflicting Perspectives on Government Strategy
While Ezekwesili and the ADC criticize the government's approach, some supporters, including APC chieftain Chief Ben Adaji, have called for a hardline stance against those opposing U.S. military actions, labeling them as enemies of the state. Adaji urged the government to eliminate terrorists without negotiation, reflecting a growing divide in public opinion regarding the best strategies to combat terrorism in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government's counter-terrorism strategy is facing significant scrutiny from various stakeholders, highlighting a complex landscape of opinions on how best to address the persistent threat of terrorism. As the administration navigates international collaborations and domestic criticisms, the effectiveness of its policies remains a critical concern for the nation's security and sovereignty.
