BREAKING: Nigerian Lawmakers Divided as Senator Ali Ndume Calls for Deployment of US Troops to Tackle Insecurity

Two members of the House of Representatives have expressed divergent views on Senator Ali Ndume’s call for the deployment of United States troops to Nigeria amid worsening insecurity in the North-East.

Naija News reports that Ndume had, on Friday, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, endorsed the deployment of US soldiers to Borno State to assist in combating insurgency and banditry.

“The fact that the Americans are now helping us fight insurgency is a welcome development. We have been looking for this support for a long time and have made many efforts to get it, but have failed,” Ndume said.

“Now that we have this window of opportunity, we must utilise it. I have complained many times that our major setback in this fight is a lack of certain resources; now, America has agreed to provide those resources free of charge,” he added.

Reacting, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, in an interview with Punch, stressed that the debate should centre on the role and capabilities of US troops rather than their number.

“The issue is not additional or fewer numbers, but what role and capabilities they are bringing to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria. At present, we are focused on training and technology enablers that would enhance our capacities to defeat the adversary,” he said.

Naija News reports that the lawmaker questioned critics of foreign support.

“Would those opposed to such efforts prefer the nation continue to haemorrhage from insecurity, terrorism, banditry, and ceaseless kidnapping?

“Our position would therefore be that if there is a needed capacity gap to fill, then by all means, let it be provided. If not, then no need for more,” Benson stated.

However, Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Alhassan Rurum, disagreed, arguing that the Nigerian Armed Forces could defeat terrorism independently if adequately funded and equipped.

“I’m not in support of the American Army deployment to Nigeria. Our Armed Forces are capable of handling our security challenges. We only need to properly fund and provide modern equipment for them,” he said.

Middle Belt Forum Backs Proposal

The Middle Belt Forum expressed support for Ndume’s proposal, urging US troops to operate professionally.

The National President of the forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, said intelligence gathering and understanding the operational environment were crucial.

“One important thing is about intelligence, and I think they are already getting that intel. They also have to study those who have been sent to assess the situation carefully,” Pogu said.

He warned that internal compromise within Nigerian security forces could complicate foreign troop operations.

“A foreign army will find it very difficult to operate. So, if they are going to do it together with the soldiers or the police on the ground, a lot of study and intelligence must first be made available through those who have come earlier,” he added.

Pogu suggested that US forces could focus on air support while Nigerian troops handle ground operations.

“For instance, the advice can be that our troops do the ground work while the foreign troops concentrate on the air, given their technological advantage.

“The ultimate goal is to flush out terrorists and restore peace across the country. What we are after is to flush the terrorists out and have peace in Nigeria. So, I’m in support,” he said.

Spokesman of the forum, Luka Binniyat, also decried rising terrorist activities in the Middle Belt.

“If foreign military support will help degrade terror networks, improve intelligence gathering, and restore confidence to vulnerable communities, then it should be welcomed.

“The security and survival of our people must come first. The Middle Belt cannot afford hesitation in confronting terror in all its forms,” he said.

ACF Seeks Clarification

The Arewa Consultative Forum said it had not taken a firm position, citing the need for clarity on the details of the proposed US military involvement.

“ACF is worried that full details of the US military involvement are yet to be made public, which is a cause for concern,” said its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba.

“There are legal and constitutional implications, such as the need for the National Assembly’s approval, because it involves foreign military forces acting in Nigeria’s territory,” he added.

The Forum of Northern Christians and the Federal Capital Territory, led by Chairman Joseph Hayab, supported the proposal.

“There is nothing wrong with the US backing Nigeria to save the country from terrorist attacks,” he said, adding that any partnership that effectively addresses insecurity should be embraced.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups expressed a mixed stance.

“Recently, we supported other African countries in maintaining peace. So why can’t we solve our security issues?

“Technically, we are in support, and then again we are not in support,” said the Gombe State Chairman of the group, Mohammed Deba. See more

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