The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has welcomed the United States’ airstrikes on terrorist targets in north-west Nigeria and criticised those opposing foreign military intervention against terror groups.
The group said Nigeria urgently requires all available support to end the worsening insecurity across the country.
Reacting to the US airstrikes in Sokoto state, Sunday Oibe, chairman of NOSCEF, said Nigeria is facing an existential security crisis that demands decisive and collaborative action.
Oibe said any assistance aimed at restoring peace should be embraced, provided the Nigerian government is fully aware of and involved in the process.
“In whatever way this help comes, as long as the Nigerian government is in the know, it is a welcome development.
“Nigerians have been bleeding for far too long because of the activities of these criminal bandits, whom I prefer to call enemies of humanity,” Oibe stated.
The NOSCEF chairman said his position aligns with that of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, insisting that terrorism must be confronted decisively and without compromise.
“I agree completely with the position of former leader, General Babangida, that the government must root out this evil without negotiation,” he said.
Oibe questioned arguments against foreign military involvement, asking why anyone would oppose efforts aimed at eliminating groups that continue to kill innocent citizens.
“Why should any sane mind be against rooting out these criminals by whatever means necessary? We all saw how innocent Nigerians were bombed inside a mosque in Maiduguri just a few days ago,” he added.
Oibe said the nationality of those supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts should not matter, as long as the objective is to restore peace.
“Whether it is American, Indian, or Togolese support that will help Nigeria uproot this evil, it should be welcomed. Nigerians simply want to live freely and go about their daily activities without fear of attack,” Oibe said