A retired Nigerian military officer, Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, has said the reported United States efforts to weaken insurgents can be understood, but warned that such actions could create serious problems if they are not properly coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
Bakoji, who doubles as the Kano Chairman of Miyetti Allah cattle breeders association of Nigeria told DAILY POST that while the intention behind foreign military support may be to reduce the strength of armed groups, poor coordination could put civilians at risk and worsen insecurity in other areas.
Captain Bakoji said; “The United States try to weakened insurgents as said, then in that sense, the goal is understandable if it is so. However, such operations carry risk if not fully coordinated with Nigerian security forces.”
He explained that acting without full local cooperation can have unintended consequences, including displacement of violence and damage to trust between communities and government.
“Uncoordinated actions can endanger civilians, undermine local governance of or even push insurgents into other areas.
“For these operations to be effective, the Nigerian government must ensure close collaboration with international partners protect civilians,” he said.
The retired officer stressed that although foreign assistance can be helpful in the short term, Nigeria must focus on strengthening its own security systems.
He said lasting peace will depend more on effective governance, strong security institutions and active engagement with local communities than on external military actions alone.
