SANs Fault Trump’s Threat To Deploy US Troops To Nigeria
Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have faulted the threat by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to deploy American troops to Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, describing such a move as an invasion and a gross violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty under international law.
Trump, who on Friday designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he termed the “genocide of Christians,” had warned that if the Nigerian government failed to stop the killings, the United States might “go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” to wipe out the Islamic terrorists responsible.
Reacting to the controversial statement, constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said any form of foreign military intervention without the consent of the Nigerian government would amount to an act of aggression.
“They can only move in with the consent of our government. They can’t move in by themselves. If they do, it will amount to an act of aggression, which is a capital offence in international law,” Sagay said.
Similarly, another Senior Advocate, Adedayo Adedeji, explained that under international law, every sovereign state retains the right to independence and territorial control without external interference.
“In international law, each state has the fundamental right to independence and to exercise full legal power within its territory, free from external dictation,” he noted.
Adedeji added that while global cooperation in fighting terrorism was acceptable, any unilateral military action by the U.S. would be unacceptable and counterproductive.
“The United States cannot just come into Nigeria to fight alleged cases of Christian genocide. This does not remove the need for collaboration between Nigeria and other countries to fight terrorism, which is a global problem,” he said.
He also dismissed claims of any ongoing “Christian genocide” in the country, stating, “Contrary to the news making the rounds, I don’t think we have anything like Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
However, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) described the alleged killings as deeply troubling, urging the Federal Government to act decisively to prevent any justification for foreign interference.
“I don’t know under which law they are saying it, but if the killings of Christians continue and the government of Nigeria does not stop it, then a stronger nation can step in. This is the way I look at it,” Ahamba said, stressing that any intervention must be invited by the Nigerian government to avoid being seen as an invasion.
On his part, Lagos-based lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, described Trump’s comments as “baseless and hypocritical,” arguing that they contradict his administration’s “America First” policy.
“This is Trump, who is pulling back from engaging with the world, who talks about not funding other countries, imposing tariffs, and blocking immigrants. If his presidency says America is looking inwards, what then captures America’s interest in Nigeria?” Ogunye queried.
He suggested that the renewed U.S. interest in Nigeria might be tied to economic motives rather than humanitarian concern. “It’s not far-fetched that if such wishes were achieved, Nigeria’s oil, lithium, and gold could be taken to pay for the so-called protection,” he said.
Ogunye urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus on resolving Nigeria’s internal security challenges, particularly the recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.
“Let Tinubu’s administration sort out the internal security situation. In Benue and Plateau, go there and address the crisis. Those who claim to be herdsmen should return to their original places. The era of roaming cattle is over,” he advised.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
