Former Nigerian Army Major General John Enenche (retd.) has vehemently defended recent United States airstrikes targeting ISIS enclaves in northwest Nigeria, asserting that any opposition to these operations stems from self-serving motives rather than genuine national concern. Speaking during a television interview, General Enenche characterized the strikes, which occurred in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as both timely and essential, long overdue in addressing Nigeria’s protracted security crisis. He emphasized that this international intervention marks a crucial turning point for a nation grappling with persistent terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism.
For decades, Nigeria has endured the devastating consequences of widespread insecurity, witnessing immense loss of life and significant economic collapse without achieving a decisive breakthrough against militant groups. General Enenche highlighted that the impact extends far beyond casualties, encompassing the displacement of communities, severe disruption to livelihoods, and long-term instability across affected regions. He expressed relief that after years of varied, often unsuccessful, domestic approaches, including diplomatic efforts and negotiations with armed factions, external support has materialized.
Drawing from his extensive military career, General Enenche recounted his own experiences serving in the affected areas over two decades ago, vividly describing the destruction and human toll he witnessed firsthand. He stressed that security must not be narrowly viewed solely through a military lens but as a multifaceted threat encompassing human, economic, and even cyber security, affecting every segment of society. This holistic perspective underscores the profound and pervasive nature of the challenges facing the nation.
Enenche lauded the United States for its unequivocal backing of Nigeria, interpreting this clear support from a global power as a powerful deterrent message to terrorist organizations. He connected this action to earlier assurances from U.S. leadership to assist Nigeria in its counter-terrorism efforts, viewing it as the harbinger of positive developments for the country’s security landscape. He vehemently dismissed criticisms suggesting that U.S. involvement could entangle Nigeria in a prolonged foreign conflict, labeling such views as defeatist and unpatriotic.
While welcoming foreign partnership, General Enenche firmly underscored Nigeria’s indispensable responsibility for securing its own territory. He clarified that while international allies may provide crucial air support and sophisticated intelligence, the primary burden of ground operations and physical presence must be borne by the Nigerian military and government. He urged state and local governments to actively support these efforts, ensuring that necessary resources are deployed to complement international assistance effectively.
The retired general pointed to the precision and effectiveness of the recent airstrikes as clear evidence of advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities, which currently surpass Nigeria’s indigenous military assets. He further cautioned that any gains from these international efforts could be severely undermined by internal factors such as corruption and poor governance if left unaddressed. Enenche called upon the Federal Government to decisively confront internal sabotage within the security system, asserting that accountability, regardless of rank, is paramount.
Enenche explained that international military cooperation often operates on principles of mutual interest, suggesting that while transparency is generally desirable, certain security agreements might necessitate a degree of confidentiality. He emphasized that a wise nation always considers its contributions and potential returns on investment in such partnerships. Furthermore, he advocated for the expanded deployment of technology, particularly surveillance drones, proposing that northern states could collectively fund a robust system to monitor and potentially neutralize criminal groups, citing past successes where drone deployment significantly reduced illicit activities.
In a stark rebuke, General Enenche directly accused opponents of the U.S. airstrikes of actively undermining Nigeria’s national interest. He asserted that individuals and groups condemning foreign involvement either have not personally experienced the profound loss caused by insecurity or are directly benefiting from the prevailing instability. He urged the government to take decisive action against such critics, dismissing concerns about potential damage to Nigeria’s sovereignty or international image, arguing that saving lives must take precedence above all else.
Enenche concluded by passionately appealing for national unity in confronting both external terrorist threats and internal collaborators, stressing that collective support from the government and the populace is essential for Nigeria’s progress. Meanwhile, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has voiced a contrasting opinion, calling on President Bola Tinubu to suspend all military cooperation with the United States following the airstrikes. Gumi warned that American involvement could exacerbate instability and diminish Nigeria’s sovereignty, a stance that has previously drawn criticism for being perceived as sympathetic to armed groups.
