The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has firmly dismissed any suggestion that the United States could carry out a military operation in Nigeria without first seeking the nation’s formal approval, describing such an action as diplomatically irresponsible and unacceptable.
During an interview with BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala reiterated that Nigeria is a fully sovereign nation and emphasized that its internal security matters must be addressed with utmost respect for its independence, legal authority, and territorial rights.
Bwala highlights sovereignty and partnership
He explained that while Nigeria values its long-standing strategic relationship with the United States, any form of military cooperation must be guided by mutual respect, joint planning, and shared intelligence rather than unilateral decisions imposed by a foreign government.
Bwala noted that the country welcomes international support in combating security threats, but stressed that such support must follow established diplomatic procedures and not undermine Nigeria’s leadership in handling its own internal affairs.
His comments come in response to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who categorized Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, sparking intense diplomatic discussions between both nations.
Trump’s warning and Abuja’s response
President Trump had earlier threatened to deploy America’s “Department of War” to take action against terrorist organizations he claims are targeting Christians in Nigeria. The warning has generated significant diplomatic reactions in Abuja, with Nigerian officials stressing the importance of dialogue over unilateral threats.
Bwala clarified that Nigeria remains open to working with the United States in addressing security challenges, but stressed that any operation must be jointly authorized and executed in partnership.
“If it’s a joint operation with Nigeria, that’s acceptable,” Bwala said, emphasizing the nation’s willingness to collaborate when approached with respect and proper diplomatic channels.
“But diplomatically, it is wrong to invade a sovereign nation without collaboration, especially one that remains a strategic partner in the fight against insecurity.”
He added that unilateral foreign intervention is only considered in extreme situations where a government is proven complicit in violence or human-rights abuses — a scenario that, according to him, does not and cannot apply to Nigeria under the current administration.