Amidst the hoopla generated by United States’ President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy armed forces to “wipe out terrorists” in Nigeria, Nigerians have been reminded that it was late President Muhammadu Buhari that actually initiated the invitation.
President Buhari had, on April 28, 2021, urged the United States to consider sending American soldiers to help tackle the country’s insecurity.
Buhari made the remarks during a virtual meeting, the former president had asked the then US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.
He urged Blinken to relocate US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the Theatre of Operation.
He admonished the international community to support Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle the growing security challenges.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, Buhari said Nigeria would enhance collaborations in all forms for greater security.
This would include friends and strategic partners across the globe.
What did Buhari say?
Buhari was quoted as saying: “The security challenges in Nigeria remained of great concern to us and impacted more negatively by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.”
He added: “The support of essential and strategic partners like the United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations…
“Considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider relocating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.”
Trump acknowledges insecurity in Nigeria
Four years later, the president of the United States acknowledged the insecurity situation in Nigeria.
On November 1, Trump admitted possible U.S. military involvement in Nigeria on his social-media platform and expressed readiness to deploy the military.
He said that if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians” then the U.S. “will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
He said he instructed the Pentagon, or the “Department of War”, as he termed it, to prepare for possible action in Nigeria.
On November 3, when asked aboard Air Force One whether he envisaged U.S. troops on the ground in Nigeria or airstrikes, he replied:
“Could be. I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things. They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria…
“They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”
He did not provide detailed plans, timelines or commitment, but the statements were interpreted by media as threats of potential troop deployments or air-strikes in Nigeria.
“Country of Particular Concern”
The remarks followed Nigeria being re‐designated by the U.S. as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom reasons.
Trump’s threat has been met by criticism and denial from several quarters in Nigeria, including the federal government.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on November 7, said on social media regarding the designation and subsequent threat:
“We are indeed faced with terrorism – a challenge Nigeria has faced for almost two decades, and we will not back down.
“We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle. Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle.
“With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail.”
Then he added: “We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society.
“We urge our allies to stand firmly with us as we amplify our fight against terrorism.
“We have made significant progress in the past two years and we will decisively eliminate this threat.
“With courage and the rule of law, we will triumph.
“Nigeria will be, and remain a reliable partner and dependable ally to its friends and a steady voice for stability.
“We also welcome the collaboration and support of our allies, friends, and partners as we strengthen both security and economic growth.”
Too little, too late
The United States’ president, however, thinks that Tinubu’s assurances are too little, too late.
Trumps’ threats have, meanwhile, been met with protests in the city of Kano by locals, who consider it an infringement on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Some opposition political observers, however, think that the agitations against Trump’s invasion threats are misplaced.
Reacting, one such observer urged Nigerians to channel their angst against Buhari for the earlier invitation to the Americans.
He also published a photo of the founding members of the then All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition in a meeting with John Kerry, the former United States Secretary of State.
The meeting held at the State House Annexe, Marina, in January 2015, during the lead-up to the general elections.
From left to right in the image are John Kerry, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, former APC chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Bola Tinubu (current President of Nigeria), and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
The observer noted that in 2014, they actually begged the United States to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
They even asked that the sitting president, Goodluck Jonathan, be arrested for alleged crimes against humanity.
He asked: “Is Trump granting us Buhari’s request? Why blame the opposition and the middle-belt people?”
