The Growing Opposition to Foreign Troops in Nigeria: A Call for Sovereignty and Security Reform
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
December 18, 2024
The recent arrival of UK troops in northeastern Nigeria has sparked a fierce debate across the country, with strong reactions from both the public and political leaders. While the Nigerian government has occasionally welcomed international assistance in combating terrorism, many Nigerians express deep concerns about the continued presence of foreign military forces on their soil. This growing discontent stems from a variety of factors, including sovereignty, national pride, the effectiveness of foreign intervention, and historical context.
For many Nigerians, the presence of foreign troops is seen as a direct challenge to the nation’s sovereignty. Nigeria, as the most populous African country and a proud, independent nation, views itself as fully capable of handling its own security challenges. There is a deeply ingrained belief that, as a sovereign state, Nigeria should not be dependent on foreign military forces, regardless of the external threats posed by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The idea that foreign troops, especially from former colonial powers like the UK, are needed to address internal security issues is perceived as a sign of weakness. This undermines the morale of the Nigerian Armed Forces, casting doubt on their ability to protect the country from growing threats. It also erodes public confidence in the government’s capacity to govern and secure its citizens.
While the UK and other international partners have offered training, intelligence, and logistical support to Nigerian forces, many question the long-term effectiveness of foreign military intervention. The insurgency in the northeast has continued despite years of foreign assistance, leading many Nigerians to ask whether the presence of foreign troops is a temporary fix or an invitation to permanent occupation.
There is a real fear that foreign military presence might not address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, corruption, and ineffective governance. Instead, it could become an unsustainable crutch, preventing the Nigerian military from fully taking charge of the situation and leaving the country reliant on foreign powers for security. For many, the solution lies not in foreign intervention but in strengthening Nigeria’s own security forces and institutions.
The presence of British forces in Nigeria also evokes historical concerns tied to the colonial past. Nigeria gained independence from the UK in 1960, but the scars of colonial rule have left lingering mistrust of British influence in the country’s affairs. For some Nigerians, the deployment of UK troops is a reminder of the exploitation and control that defined the colonial relationship, making them resistant to any form of foreign military presence.
This sentiment has been echoed in other parts of Africa, particularly in Niger, where the junta expelled French troops in 2023 due to similar concerns. Just as the Nigerien people have expressed anti-colonial sentiments against the French, many Nigerians see the deployment of foreign forces, especially from former colonial powers, as an affront to their hard-won independence.
While some politicians and government officials advocate for international assistance, there is a growing consensus among the Nigerian public that the country must take charge of its own security. The presence of foreign troops is seen by many as a sign that Nigeria’s own security apparatus is not functioning effectively. There is increasing pressure on the Nigerian military to reform, become better equipped, and take the lead in the fight against insurgency.
Calls for local solutions to the security crisis have intensified. Nigerians want their government to invest in strengthening the military, improving intelligence gathering, and addressing the systemic corruption that has plagued the security sector for years. They also urge greater collaboration with neighboring African countries, such as Chad and Cameroon, to combat the cross-border nature of insurgent activities.
There are also concerns that the UK’s involvement in Nigeria’s security efforts might not be driven solely by humanitarian motives. The UK’s interest in Nigeria, particularly in the northeast, is often framed as part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability. However, some Nigerians question whether the UK’s presence is truly in Nigeria’s best interest or if it is motivated by its own strategic and economic objectives.
The region, rich in mineral resources and strategically located, is of significant interest to foreign powers. Critics suggest that Nigeria’s security challenges are being used as a pretext for foreign countries, including the UK, to exert influence over Nigeria’s natural resources and maintain a foothold in West Africa.
The recent expulsion of French troops from Niger serves as a cautionary tale for Nigeria. The Nigerien junta’s decision to remove foreign troops is largely driven by anti-colonial sentiments and dissatisfaction with the failure of foreign military interventions to improve security. Niger’s stance highlights a growing skepticism towards Western powers and a desire for greater self-determination in dealing with internal security issues.
For many Nigerians, the situation in Niger raises important questions about the role of foreign forces in West Africa. The Nigerian government must carefully consider whether inviting foreign troops into the country will truly solve its security problems or merely exacerbate national and regional tensions.
The arrival of UK soldiers in northeastern Nigeria marks a critical moment in the country’s ongoing struggle with insecurity. While the Nigerian government must address the immediate threats posed by terrorism and insurgency, it must also consider the long-term implications of foreign military presence on its sovereignty and security.
The Nigerian people are calling for stronger, more effective leadership in addressing security challenges. The solution to Nigeria’s security crisis lies not in the continued reliance on foreign military forces, but in the empowerment of its own military, the reform of its security institutions, and the strengthening of its governance. The Nigerian government must prioritize these internal reforms to ensure that it can protect its citizens without being beholden to foreign powers.
The time has come for Nigeria to assert its sovereignty, strengthen its military capabilities, and take ownership of its security challenges. In doing so, it can protect its national pride and work toward lasting peace and stability for all Nigerians.
Wrote, Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu 08060017934
