US strikes understandable but risky – Miyetti Allah

  A retired Nigerian military officer and regional leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, has weighed in on the United States military efforts to weaken insurgents in the region following a Christmas day strike against ISIS terrorist in Sokoto. While acknowledging the strategic logic behind these actions, he warned of serious complications if operations are not meticulously coordinated with Nigerian authorities. Bakoji, who serves as the Kano Chairman of MACBAN, explained to reporters that while foreign military support aims to reduce the strength of armed groups, poor communication could put civilians in the line of fire. He noted that: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 further elaborated that acting without full local cooperation often leads to unintended consequences, such as the displacement of violence into previously peaceful areas and a breakdown of trust between local communities and the government. The retired officer emphasized that the lack of a unified front could undermine the very stability international partners seek to provide. Specifically, he stated: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.While foreign assistance can provide a short-term tactical advantage, Bakoji argued that Nigeria must prioritize the development of its own internal security infrastructure. He concluded that lasting peace will rely more on effective governance, resilient security institutions, and active engagement with local communities than on external military interventions alone. The post US strikes understandable but risky Miyetti Allah appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.