Tinubu Vows to Crush Terrorism as U.S. Weighs Military Action in Nigeria

As the United States considers military action against terrorist networks in Nigeria, reports indicate that some foreign herders have begun leaving the country’s northern borders for Cameroon. Residents of Gurin, a border town in Adamawa State, confirmed to The Guardian that groups of herders were seen crossing into neighbouring territories with their cattle.

Despite the growing tension, the Federal Government has urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that it is tackling security challenges head-on and intensifying efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism and restore national stability.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one happy family, and we will not rest until we eliminate all criminals from our society,” Tinubu declared.

He added that Nigeria’s economic reforms were yielding positive results and gaining global recognition. “Despite the political headwinds and the fears of our people, we will continue to engage with our international partners,” he said.

Government Assures Citizens of Safety

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that the government remains committed to ensuring every Nigerian’s safety.

He stressed that the constitutional right to freedom of worship would continue to be protected, noting that security agencies are collaborating with regional and international partners to confront violent extremism.

According to Idris, the Federal Government is working closely with neighbouring nations and allies, including the U.S., to strengthen intelligence sharing and secure Nigeria’s borders.

U.S. Considers Military Options

Reports from Washington suggest that the U.S. Pentagon has drafted plans for possible airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Nigeria, acting on directives from President Donald Trump. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly presented “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” engagement options.

The heavy option would involve deploying a carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea and launching air raids deep inside northern Nigeria.
The medium option proposes targeted drone strikes using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones.
The light option would limit U.S. involvement to intelligence sharing and logistical support for Nigerian forces.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a bill to sanction individuals and groups accused of religiously motivated violence, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as potential targets for visa bans and asset freezes.

Border Movements Raise Concerns

While residents in Adamawa have observed herders crossing into Cameroon, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it had no record of mass migration at the borders. Customs spokesman DCS Abdullahi Maiwada clarified that monitoring human movement falls outside the agency’s mandate.

In Abuja’s Kubwa area, residents expressed concern about the arrival of several Fulani men who reportedly occupied a fenced, vacant plot of land at midnight earlier this week. Locals said the group’s sudden appearance amid rising insecurity has fueled anxiety in the neighbourhood.

China Reaffirms Support for Nigeria

In a related development, China has pledged continued support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai made the commitment after meeting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, noting that Beijing opposes any form of external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

U.S. Lawmakers Praise Trump’s Move

Thirty-one U.S. lawmakers have commended President Trump for restoring Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) — a label reserved for countries accused of violating religious freedoms. Republican leaders hailed the decision as a moral stand against alleged persecution of Christians.

Nigerian Coalition Rejects Invasion Threat

Reacting to U.S. plans, the Coalition for the Defense of Nigeria’s Sovereignty (CODENS) and other civil society groups staged a protest in Lagos, denouncing any foreign military intervention.

Convener Buna Isiak said the narrative that Nigeria persecutes Christians is “false and misleading,” insisting that terrorism and banditry affect citizens of all faiths.

He warned that Trump’s threat of invasion violates international law and the UN Charter, citing the disastrous outcomes of similar interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.

“Nigeria does not need foreign bombs or boots on its soil,” Isiak declared. “What we need is international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and genuine partnerships to defeat terrorism and strengthen the rule of law.”