Anyone Opposing U.S. Strikes Is Nigeria’s Enemy Or Profiting From Insecurity — Ex-General Enenche

A retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, John Enenche, has described the recent United States airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria as a “bold and welcome development”.

Enenche expressed optimism that the intervention could mark a decisive turnaround in the country’s prolonged security challenges.

The pioneer Director of Defence Information and a former Commandant of the Nigerian Army War College spoke in an interview on ARISE TV’s ‘Daybreak’ programme on Saturday.

This came two days after the United States announced precision airstrikes on terrorist locations in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The retired general said the strikes were long overdue, noting that Nigeria had grappled with terrorism and banditry for over two decades with devastating human and economic consequences.

“I am very happy about the development in the sense that this is an issue that has lasted for over two decades. We have lost so many people, innocent people, despite trying various solutions: diplomatic efforts, dialogue, even bargaining and talking to bandits and terrorists as if there was no other solution,” said Enenche.

“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw with my own eyes the casualties, the rage and the devastation. When you talk about security, you are talking about human beings, human security, economic security, cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.

He praised the United States for openly taking the lead, describing the move as an indication of international commitment to ending the crisis.

“America has come out boldly to say, ‘We are going to help you’. President Donald Trump came out and said they will assist Nigeria. For me, this is the beginning of good things to come for this country,” Enenche stated.

Addressing concerns by critics who fear that U.S. involvement could plunge Nigeria into a situation similar to Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan, Enenche dismissed such arguments, describing them as pessimistic and unpatriotic.

He said, “Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country. Why didn’t we say this when Nigerians went to Liberia, Sierra Leone or Congo? Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results.”

He stressed that while the U.S. had taken the lead in the airstrikes, Nigeria must assume ownership of its internal security.

“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy the necessary resources, and that is where state governments and local governments must support this effort,” he said.

Enenche also dismissed claims that the intelligence used for the strikes could not have come from reliable sources, arguing that the precision of the attacks pointed to advanced capabilities Nigeria currently lacks.

“Look at the capacity, look at the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. These terrorists do not want to be followed to their staging or assembly areas,” he said.

On concerns that Nigeria’s long-standing governance and corruption problems could undermine the gains from the strikes, Enenche said the Federal Government must confront such issues head-on.

He said, “We have to tackle corruption and poor leadership alongside this effort. There should be no sacred cows. From the highest rank to the lowest corporal, anyone found complicit should be dealt with decisively. Heaven will not fall.”

Asked about the sustainability of the U.S. strikes, Enenche described them as viable, noting that international cooperation often rests on mutual interests and returns on investment.

“A wise country always puts something on the table and looks at returns on investment. There is nothing wrong if some agreements are not made public. What matters is that Nigeria also puts its house in order,” he stressed.

He urged Nigeria to leverage modern technology, particularly drones, to consolidate security gains.

“Since we introduced surveillance drones in some areas, criminal activities reduced significantly for like six months. We need to expand this. If the 19 northern states are contributing N1bn monthly, that N19bn can be used to establish drone stations with surveillance and even lethal capabilities, as permitted,” he said.

Enenche also addressed individuals and groups opposing the U.S. strikes, including prominent clerics and opposition parties.

“Anyone opposing this effort is anti-Nigerian. Either you have not lost a loved one, or you are benefiting directly from the insecurity. Even if it is my brother, my wife or my children, I will accuse them. The government should act decisively against such people,” he urged.

On concerns that foreign military involvement could damage Nigeria’s sovereignty or international image, Enenche dismissed such fears, arguing that saving lives should take precedence.

“Is this the first time Nigeria’s image has been damaged? No. We have already been labelled corrupt. But if this action saves lives, then the end justifies the means,” he said.

He called for collective national support, warning that internal collaborators and compromised elements within the system must also be addressed.

Enenche said, “The government and the people must support this effort together. We must stop this monstrous menace, both the external terrorists and the internal collaborators, if Nigeria is to move forward.”

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, had called on President Bola Tinubu to halt all military cooperation with the United States after strikes.

Gumi, who has often been accused of sympathysing with terrorists, warned that American involvement could further destabilise Nigeria and undermine its sovereignty.