Calls are rising in Nigeria to resist proposals from the United States and France to relocate military bases from the Sahel region to Nigerian soil.
A chorus of northern Nigerian leaders recently sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly leaders expressing strong reservations about hosting foreign troops. While acknowledging the need for regional cooperation against terrorism, the letter warns that foreign military bases could pose significant risks.
“It is important to clearly state that there are only dangers and no gains from such military operations,” the group said, claiming that “terrorism, far from abating, has in fact risen dramatically since the U.S. began its operations in the region.”
They outlined several concerns about the alleged military relocation, including strained relations with neighboring countries, particularly French-speaking nations in West Africa, deteriorating security as foreign bases could become targets for terrorist attacks, potentially escalating insecurity within Nigeria, and the potential financial burden of hosting foreign troops and the long-term economic benefits for Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the relocation proposals. However, President Tinubu has previously emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s domestic security capabilities.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
