06/11/2025
Nigeria’s Crisis: My Position on President Trump’s Remarks
I wish to begin by reaffirming that Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and national institutions must always be respected. At the same time, I fully support genuine international cooperation to defeat the violent groups who have caused immense suffering across our nation — affecting Christians, Muslims, and people of all beliefs.
For nearly 15 years, extremist organizations have spread fear and destruction throughout Nigeria. What began in Borno State has gradually expanded across several regions, leaving communities traumatized and displaced.
Places of worship — both churches and mosques — as well as schools, royal homes, and local markets have all faced devastating attacks. Innocent children have been taken from their families, and many have yet to return home. Both Muslim and Christian families have suffered unspeakable pain.
These extremist groups, opposed to education and progress, have repeatedly targeted schools and students, leading to incidents that shocked the world. Many students remain missing, and their families still await closure.
Reports from local leaders and government officials indicate that in parts of Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina, some of these armed groups still operate, imposing their own rules instead of respecting the Nigerian Constitution. This is a direct challenge to our sovereignty and must not continue.
President Trump’s recent comments should be taken as a wake-up call — not an intrusion. If our nation cannot completely resolve this crisis alone, then we must collaborate with partners who can help restore peace and stability.
In the Senate, my colleagues and I have consistently raised these concerns. Hardly a week passes without reports of new attacks on communities. We have paid tribute to victims, proposed national security reforms, and called for a major Security Summit. The Senate recently resolved to send a non-partisan delegation to Washington D.C. to strengthen cooperation on this urgent issue.
Unfortunately, no region in Nigeria can currently be considered entirely safe. Violence, banditry, and armed attacks have spread from the northeast to other areas — including Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna. In many of these regions, entire families have been displaced, and local economies devastated.
The inability of past governments to provide lasting security has created frustration and mistrust among citizens. Some respected national figures, like General T. Y. Danjuma, have previously expressed concern over government inaction and bias in leadership appointments, especially during the last administration. These perceptions only deepened divisions in the country.
We must be honest with ourselves: the crisis has lasted far too long, and our security forces are overstretched. No nation can face this scale of violence alone. Nigeria must therefore work hand in hand with our allies and neighboring countries to eliminate these threats once and for all.
I strongly urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with President Donald Trump, the United States, and our regional neighbors to strengthen security partnerships, intelligence sharing, and border cooperation. This collective effort is essential to finally restore peace and stability.
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I have also repeatedly emphasized the importance of appointing ambassadors without delay. Restoring full diplomatic representation will allow Nigeria to better leverage its international relationships and resources.
May God bless and protect Nigeria.
— HSD.
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Keywords (no spaces): NigeriaCrisis,PeaceAndSecurity,ProtectCivilians,GlobalCooperation,FaithAndUnity
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