A former senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General John Enenche (retd.), has strongly defended recent United States airstrikes targeting ISIS enclaves in northwest Nigeria, insisting that opposition to the action is driven by selfish interests rather than national concern.
Enenche described the strikes as timely, necessary, and long overdue, arguing that Nigeria has suffered for decades from terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism without achieving a decisive breakthrough.
He said the intervention signals a turning point in the country’s long-running security crisis.
Speaking during a television interview, the retired general said the airstrikes, carried out in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, showed serious international commitment to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
He noted that the impact of insecurity has gone far beyond loss of lives, extending to economic collapse, displacement of communities, and long-term instability.
“I am very happy about the development in the sense that this is an issue that has lasted for over two decades. We have lost so many people, innocent people, despite trying various solutions: diplomatic efforts, dialogue, even bargaining and talking to bandits and terrorists as if there was no other solution,” Enenche said.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled his time serving in affected areas more than 20 years ago and described the destruction he witnessed.
According to him, insecurity should not be viewed only from a military angle but as a broad threat affecting human lives, livelihoods, and national development.
“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw with my own eyes the casualties, the rage and the devastation. When you talk about security, you are talking about human beings, human security, economic security, cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.
Enenche praised the United States for openly backing Nigeria, stating that clear support from a global power sends a strong message to terror groups. He linked the action to earlier assurances from the U.S. leadership to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity.
“America has come out boldly to say, ‘We are going to help you’. President Donald Trump came out and said they will assist Nigeria. For me, this is the beginning of good things to come for this country,” he stated.
Responding to critics who fear that U.S. involvement could drag Nigeria into prolonged foreign conflict, Enenche dismissed such views as defeatist.
He argued that international cooperation has worked for Nigeria in the past and should not suddenly be seen as dangerous.
“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country. Why didn’t we say this when Nigerians went to Liberia, Sierra Leone or Congo? Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results,” he said.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria must take full responsibility for securing its territory.
According to him, foreign partners may provide air support and intelligence, but the Nigerian military and government must handle ground operations with seriousness.
“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy the necessary resources, and that is where state governments and local governments must support this effort,” he said.
On doubts surrounding the intelligence behind the strikes, Enenche said the level of precision clearly showed advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities beyond what Nigeria currently possesses.
“Look at the capacity, look at the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. These terrorists do not want to be followed to their staging or assembly areas,” he said.
The former army spokesman also warned that corruption and poor governance could weaken the gains if not addressed decisively. He urged the Federal Government to confront internal sabotage within the security system.
“We have to tackle corruption and poor leadership alongside this effort. There should be no sacred cows. From the highest rank to the lowest corporal, anyone found complicit should be dealt with decisively. Heaven will not fall,” he said.
Enenche added that international military cooperation often operates on mutual interest and should not be misunderstood. He said transparency is important, but secrecy in security agreements is sometimes unavoidable.
“A wise country always puts something on the table and looks at returns on investment. There is nothing wrong if some agreements are not made public. What matters is that Nigeria also puts its house in order,” he said.
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