Citizens for Strategic Defence Cooperation urges Nigerians to view enhanced ties with US through 'national interest' lens, dismisses sovereignty fears
A pro-security advocacy group has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government's decision to deepen military collaboration with the United States, insisting that Nigeria's sovereignty remains fully intact despite the presence of American personnel for training and intelligence missions.
The Citizens for Strategic Defence Cooperation (CSDC), in a statement issued Monday, described the arrangement as a "measured and strategic partnership" designed to bolster Nigeria's capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime—challenges that have defied purely domestic solutions for years.
'Sovereignty Not for Sale'
Coalition Secretary Abdulmajid Danladi addressed head-on the concerns raised by critics who view the growing US military footprint with suspicion.
"Our sovereignty is not for sale, and it has not been compromised," Danladi stated emphatically. "The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain in full operational control of all security activities within our territory. Any cooperation with foreign partners is structured, limited and governed by Nigerian law."
The statement urged Nigerians to approach the debate with facts rather than sentiment, warning against conflating international partnership with foreign domination.
Why Partner Now?
The coalition argued that Nigeria's evolving security landscape—marked by terrorism, banditry, piracy, and cyber threats—demands coordinated global responses that no single nation can mount alone.
"Modern warfare is technology-driven. Intelligence gathering, surveillance and counter-terror strategies are globalised. Refusing to cooperate with international allies would isolate Nigeria at a time when collaboration is essential," the statement read.
According to the group, enhanced cooperation with the US Department of Defence grants Nigeria access to advanced training, cutting-edge intelligence technology, and operational best practices honed in conflicts worldwide.
A History of Partnership
The CSDC reminded Nigerians that defence cooperation with friendly nations is neither new nor exceptional. The country has long engaged foreign partners for training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building—arrangements that have never compromised Nigerian sovereignty.
The coalition specifically commended the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces under Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, describing the deepening US ties as a "forward-looking decision" consistent with decades of diplomatic and security engagement between the two nations.
'Cooperation vs. Occupation'
Drawing a bright line between partnership and subjugation, the group stressed that foreign military personnel operating in Nigeria do so under strict terms defined by Nigerian law and authorities.
"There is a clear difference between cooperation and occupation. Nigeria is not hosting foreign bases that override its authority. What exists is structured engagement designed to improve the capabilities of our own troops," Danladi said.
The statement urged citizens to prioritize national interest over partisan lenses when evaluating security arrangements.
"Our troops deserve every legitimate advantage in confronting violent threats. If collaboration with experienced global partners enhances their safety and effectiveness, then it is a responsible step," he added.
Calls for Transparency
While backing the partnership, the coalition also called on the Federal Government to ensure full transparency in all defence arrangements, keeping such collaborations strictly within constitutional provisions and Nigeria's foreign policy principles.
The endorsement comes amid ongoing discussions following a plenary session of the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group, co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. The meeting, held Thursday at the NSA's office in Abuja, focused on Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern and ways to deepen security cooperation.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the engagement as part of "sustained efforts to deepen security partnerships and deliver concrete outcomes."
For the CSDC, those outcomes cannot come soon enough—and whatever tools help Nigerian troops return home safely to their families deserve not suspicion, but support.
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