Russia and the African Union (AU) have called on the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following reports that the US may be considering military action in the country.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said during a weekly press briefing in Moscow that her country was closely monitoring the situation and urged all parties to follow international law. “We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she said.
Similarly, the AU Commission emphasized that the US should prioritize diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation over military threats. In a statement, the commission recognized Nigeria’s complex security challenges but warned that oversimplifying the situation by attributing violence solely to religious motives could destabilize communities. It also reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs.
President Bola Tinubu has been actively seeking global support to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Speaking on his verified X account, @officialABAT, he stressed that international collaboration, intelligence sharing, and renewed support are crucial in defeating networks threatening peace in Africa. He described Nigeria as a reliable partner ready to strengthen security and economic growth with allies.
On Friday, Tinubu met with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar, at the State House in Abuja as part of ongoing consultations with religious and traditional leaders. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, also attended the meeting. Earlier in the week, Tinubu had met with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.
While Tinubu’s meetings focused on dialogue and cooperation, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said there was an ongoing Christian genocide in the country. Speaking in Ibadan, he called for collaboration between Tinubu and international partners, including former US President Donald Trump, to combat attacks by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Veteran journalist Dele Momodu also advised the President to engage Nigerians with global credibility to directly liaise with US authorities, warning that relying solely on presidential advisers may not be effective.
In contrast, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) criticized Trump’s claims, saying they were based on unreliable data from local and international groups with hidden motives. IMPI cited the Global Terrorism Index, noting that while terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria rose to 565 in 2024, the figures were far lower than the inflated numbers used to label Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The think tank called for verified data and government-to-government engagement for a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s situation.
On the military front, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, to prepare for a decisive offensive against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Speaking at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, he said this phase of operations would be critical in finally ending terrorism in the region. General Shaibu assured troops of full support, including enhanced operational resources, welfare, and education for their families.
President Tinubu praised the armed forces and intelligence services for their dedication and sacrifices, reaffirming that security is non-negotiable. He pledged that Nigeria would continue to fight terrorism decisively while strengthening reforms and promoting inclusive growth.