An All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Kogi State, Chief Ben Adaji, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take a tougher position against individuals and groups publicly criticising recent United States airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in Nigeria.
Speaking in Jalingo, Taraba State, Adaji reacted to condemnations from some Islamic clerics and commentators regarding the US military operations in north-west Nigeria. He argued that opposition to the airstrikes undermines national efforts to combat terrorism and could indicate indirect support for armed groups responsible for years of violence.
Adaji expressed alarm that Nigerians would openly criticise what he described as decisive action against terrorism, emphasizing the widespread suffering caused by armed groups across the country. He warned that critics of the airstrikes may have complicity in terrorist activities and urged the President to take a firm stance against attempts to politicise insecurity.
The APC chieftain also called on the Federal Government to end negotiations with armed groups and adopt a more decisive military approach. He appealed to the United States to sustain its counterterrorism support and expand military assistance to regions affected by banditry and other armed attacks.
Adaji emphasized the need for the President and the National Security Adviser to ensure that individuals identified as supporters or collaborators of terrorist groups are investigated and prosecuted under the law. He highlighted that insecurity affects Nigerians across all religious and ethnic lines and stressed the importance of not allowing religion or political influence to undermine national security.
While commending Nigerian security agencies for their efforts, Adaji urged the Federal Government to provide full backing and collaborate with genuine international interventions aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
