…Says it endorsed intelligence-led partnership
The United States (U.S) Congress has rejected calls for direct military intervention in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, instead endorsing a more strategic and intelligence-driven partnership with Abuja.
The position emerged during a congressional hearing held on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., which focused on Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Reacting to the development, public affairs analyst, Dr. Abam Abaji described the session as a “constructive and informed debate”, noting that it signalled a major shift in how American policymakers view Nigeria’s security crisis.
“For the first time in a long while, we witnessed a constructive and informed discussion in the U.S. Congress,” he said. “Members from both major parties spoke passionately about the situation in Nigeria, acknowledging the seriousness of terrorism and the human suffering it has caused.”
According to Dr. Abaji, lawmakers recognised the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape and the potential dangers of foreign military action. “What stood out to me was the explicit rejection of direct military intervention in Nigeria. Instead, they promoted a rational and responsible partnership between the Nigerian and U.S. governments”.
He said the new U.S. approach centres on a joint assessment of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity, enhanced intelligence sharing, and closer cooperation with Nigerian security agencies. The recommended support would include assistance in identifying, isolating, arresting, or eliminating Boko Haram fighters in the Northeast, as well as combating banditry and terrorist networks across the Northwest, North-Central, Southeast, and Southwest.
“This is a welcome development”, Abaji noted. “Nigerians have suffered regardless of religion or tribe, and every Nigerian deserves safety and dignity. This approach is far better than the reckless, impulsive calls for aggressive foreign military action that would have damaged our sovereignty and endangered civilian lives”, he further stated.
He praised the congressional decision as “a significant win for diplomacy” and a step toward solutions that prioritise local leadership and targeted cooperation instead of external force.
Dr. Abaji also cautioned Nigerians who had previously supported the idea of foreign intervention to rethink their position.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the opportunity presented by the new U.S. stance. “This moment offers a better path – a chance for collaboration and intelligence support to help bring peace and stability to every corner of our country”.
