Nigerians In US Reject US Military Intervention In Nigeria
BY ANITA WRIGHT
THE Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and 19 other Nigerian organisations in the United States have strongly rejected any plan for U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, saying such action would undermine the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement released on Wednesday in New York, Ms. Temi Aregbesola, President of OAN, said the Nigerian-American community “unequivocally rejects” any foreign invasion or coercive military action under the guise of protecting Christians in Nigeria.
The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to invade Nigeria following its designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians by terrorists.
“Nigeria Is a Sovereign Nation”
“While we recognise and share the concern over the killings of Christians, Muslims, and other innocent Nigerians, we reject any idea of foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil,” the group said.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and the protection of its citizens must remain the responsibility of the Nigerian government — in collaboration, not under coercion.”
The coalition warned that foreign military presence was not the solution and urged the Nigerian government to take full responsibility for safeguarding its people.
Calls for Stronger Domestic Security
The Nigerian groups expressed disappointment at the inability of successive governments to end the wave of killings, displacement, and sectarian violence across several states.
They urged the Federal Government to strengthen security operations, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and deploy more resources to protect vulnerable communities.
They also advised the government to collaborate with the U.S. and other international partners in intelligence sharing, training, and technological support, but without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Nigeria must safeguard its national sovereignty and not permit foreign boots on the ground,” the statement said.
Demand for Transparency and Accountability
The organisations called for a public audit of security operations, justice for victims of sectarian violence, and the creation of a national strategy for the protection of religious and ethnic minorities.
They also urged the government to engage civil society, faith-based groups, and diaspora communities in reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives.
“Although the designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ signals international scrutiny, it must not be used to justify militarisation or external interference,” the statement added.
“A Wake-Up Call for Nigerian Leadership”
The coalition stressed that the U.S. designation should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to act decisively to preserve peace and unity.
“The government must act responsibly to prevent further deterioration of peace and national cohesion,” the organisations said.
“OAN and its partners stand for a peaceful, just, and secure Nigeria where every citizen — Christian, Muslim, or traditionalist — can live free from fear.”
Coalition Members
Among the signatories were:
- Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA)
- Nigerian Lawyers Association, USA
- Nigerian-American Muslims Integrated Communities
- Christ Apostolic Church, First in the Americas
- Celestial Church of Christ, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Nurudeen Islamic Charity Organization
- Zumunta Association USA, Eko Club International, Egbe Omo Yoruba, and others.
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) was founded in 1989 to promote Nigeria’s image and counter negative stereotypes in U.S. media. It remains a leading Nigerian diaspora organisation advocating for peace, democracy, and development.
