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US Troops in Nigeria: Why America Won’t Fight Our War, According to a Retired General
The recent arrival of United States troops in Nigeria has sparked widespread debate, speculation, and even false hope among citizens desperate for an end to terrorism and banditry. However, a retired Nigerian Army general has made one thing very clear: no foreign army will fight Nigeria’s battles for her.
Last week, the United States deployed a small military team to Nigeria as part of deepening security cooperation between both countries. The move comes amid rising concerns over terrorism, banditry, and insurgent activities across several Nigerian states.
According to General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the deployment aims to provide “unique capabilities” to assist Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. While the US military has not disclosed the exact size or operational scope of the team, credible reports suggest their role is primarily intelligence-based, focusing on surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic support rather than direct combat.
Reacting to the development, Major General Ijioma N. Ijioma (rtd), a former Director of Operations at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, delivered a blunt assessment of the situation.
According to him, Nigerians should not expect American troops to confront bandits or terrorists on the battlefield.
“The United States does not risk the lives of its soldiers for nothing,” he warned.
The retired general emphasized that only Nigerian forces can ultimately defeat insurgents.arguing that no foreign power will fight Nigeria’s internal wars out of goodwill alone.
Major General Ijioma did not mince words in identifying what he believes is Nigeria’s biggest security challenge: weak political resolve.
He accused Nigeria’s leadership of handling terrorists with excessive restraint, noting that if the Federal Government had approached the 1967 Biafran conflict with the same level of leniency shown toward Boko Haram and bandits today, Nigeria’s unity would not have survived.
In his words, the military already has the operational capacity to neutralize insurgents across the country.
“There is no place within Nigeria that our fighter jets cannot reach,” he stated.
This, he argued, proves that Nigeria’s security crisis is not a question of capability—but of willpower and decisive leadership.
Despite reported US air operations targeting terrorist camps in states like Sokoto and Kwara, insurgent groups remain active and increasingly emboldened.
General Ijioma believes this further underscores his point: foreign intervention alone cannot defeat terrorism in Nigeria. Even with advanced intelligence and aerial support, progress will remain limited unless Nigerian leaders demonstrate genuine commitment to crushing insurgency.
The retired general urged citizens to demand transparency from the government, particularly regarding:
The nature of Nigeria’s agreement with the United States
What Nigeria is offering in return for US military assistance
Why terrorists are seemingly treated with leniency
According to him, accountability and public pressure are essential if Nigeria is to regain control over its security challenges.
The presence of US troops in Nigeria should not be misunderstood as a rescue mission. Their role is supportive, strategic, and limited. As Major General Ijioma bluntly put it, Nigeria’s security crisis can only be solved by Nigerians themselves.
Until the political leadership demonstrates unwavering resolve, terrorism and banditry will continue—regardless of foreign support.
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