Falana, Jibrin, Others Warn as US Troops Enter Nigeria
A coalition of Nigerian lawyers, academics, and civil society leaders has strongly reacted to the arrival of United States military personnel in Nigeria, warning that the development poses serious constitutional and sovereignty concerns.
The reaction follows confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that about 100 American soldiers recently arrived in the country to support the Nigerian Armed Forces through training and intelligence-sharing operations.
In a joint statement titled “No to Foreign Forces in Our Land: Defend Our Sovereignty,” the group condemned the presence of foreign troops, describing it as a dangerous precedent and a violation of Nigeria’s independence.
Among the signatories were human rights lawyer Femi Falana and political scientist Jibrin Ibrahim, alongside other prominent Nigerians.
The coalition argued that Nigeria should focus on strengthening its own security institutions rather than relying on foreign military assistance. They called on the government to fully equip and modernise the Nigeria Police Force and the armed forces, improve troop welfare, strengthen intelligence coordination, invest in local defence production, and address the socio-economic causes of insecurity.
The statement warned against what it described as a creeping neo-colonial arrangement, stressing that sovereignty is not symbolic but the foundation of statehood.
“History teaches us that sovereignty surrendered in the name of expediency is rarely easy to reclaim,” the group said, adding that the presence of foreign troops without transparent constitutional processes gradually but significantly weakens national authority.
Speaking separately, Jibrin Ibrahim questioned the effectiveness of American security interventions globally, noting that such involvement has not necessarily resulted in lasting peace or stability in countries where it has occurred.
“In which country has America intervened in security matters and truly improved the situation? There is none. In most cases, insecurity deepens rather than improves,” he said.
The debate comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and renewed discussions about international military cooperation, particularly with the United States.
