The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has stated that it would be diplomatically unacceptable for the United States to carry out any military operation in Nigeria without the nation’s consent.
Speaking during an interview with BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala emphasized that Nigeria remains a sovereign state whose internal security matters must be handled with respect for its autonomy and territorial integrity.
Bwala speaks on Nigeria’s partnership with US
He stressed that while Nigeria values its partnership with the United States, any form of foreign military involvement must be based on collaboration and mutual agreement rather than unilateral action.
Bwala’s remarks follow recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump’s threat
Trump had also threatened to deploy America’s “Department of War” against terrorist groups he claimed were targeting Christians in Nigeria, a comment that has since stirred strong diplomatic reactions in Abuja.
“If it’s a joint operation with Nigeria, that’s acceptable,” Bwala said.
“But diplomatically, it is wrong to invade a sovereign nation without collaboration, especially one that remains a strategic partner in the fight against insecurity.
“Unilateral intervention only happens when there is evidence that a government is complicit in a crisis. That is certainly not the case in Nigeria,” he added.