The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has backed the United States’ airstrike on suspected terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria.
Afenifere’s position 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, based on shared intelligence between Nigeria and the United States.
Also, U.S. President Donald Trump had on Thursday night confirmed that American forces conducted an airstrike targeting terrorist elements operating in the North-West.
In a statement issued on Friday to reporters in Akure, Ondo state capital, by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, Afenifere described the strike as timely and necessary in view of persistent insecurity in parts of the country.
The organisation said terrorist attacks, abductions, and destruction of lives and property had continued in affected communities, adding that previous efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves had been inadequate.
“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 unequivocally supports this decisive action, which comes after years of relentless insecurity that has held communities hostage and undermined the very fabric of the nation,” the group said.
Afenifere said the involvement of he U.S. in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts should not be criticised, noting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
The group attributed the prolonged insecurity in the country to years of governance and security lapses, which it said allowed extremist groups to take root.
“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation. For far too long, innocent Nigerians have been subjected to relentless attacks, abductions, and wanton destruction of property, while insufficient measures were taken to decisively confront these terrorist enclaves.
“The vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance has, regrettably, invited the intervention of capable partners who understand the urgency of the situation,” the statement read.
It added that national sovereignty should be measured by a country’s ability to secure its territory and protect citizens, rather than political rhetoric.
Afenifere commended the current federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the joint operation and urged political leaders and the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
“Afenifere wishes to stress that 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 lives of Nigerians and the preservation of national peace must always take precedence over political sentiment or populist critique. The swift and coordinated military response demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to restoring safety and stability to affected regions.
“We call upon all citizens, political leaders, and civil society actors to resist any temptation to undermine these efforts with misplaced criticism. Now is the time for solidarity, support, and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.”
The group reaffirmed its support for any domestic or joint measures aimed at restoring security and stability across the country.
“The courage, professionalism, and decisive action displayed by both Nigerian and United States forces should be applauded. Afenifere reaffirms its support for any measures, domestic or joint, that will ensure that Nigeria’s citizens can live in safety and security, free from the scourge of terror,” it read.
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