Nigeria’s Sovereignty Non-Negotiable As Trump Threatens Military Action, Bwala Warns From Presidential Quarters

 

A fresh diplomatic conversation is emerging between Abuja and Washington following a statement from Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, declaring that the United States under Donald Trump cannot undertake any military activity in Nigeria without the express consent of the Nigerian government.

Bwala made the remarks during an interview with BBC World Service on Monday, responding to comments credited to the US President, who recently classified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged persecution of Christians. His words have sparked widespread debate over the boundaries of international relations, military collaboration, and the sanctity of national sovereignty.

According to Bwala, Nigeria remains a fully independent and sovereign nation whose territorial integrity cannot be compromised under any circumstances. He emphasized that any form of foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil must occur only through mutual consent and joint operations that respect established diplomatic protocols. The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu remains committed to working with global partners, including the United States, in the fight against terrorism and insecurity, but warned against any unilateral action that could violate Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Bwala’s statement came after reports circulated that President Trump had threatened to deploy what he called America’s “Department of War” to tackle extremist elements targeting Christians in Nigeria. The declaration, while aimed at addressing religious violence, was met with skepticism and concern within Nigeria’s diplomatic and security circles. Bwala quickly responded, clarifying that such an approach would be unacceptable unless properly coordinated with the Nigerian government.

He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges, though complex, are internal matters being handled with precision and sensitivity by the country’s security agencies. “If it’s a joint operation with Nigeria, that’s acceptable,” Bwala noted during the interview. “But diplomatically, it is wrong to invade a sovereign nation without collaboration, especially one that remains a strategic partner in the fight against insecurity.”

The adviser further highlighted that Nigeria and the United States share long-standing bilateral relations built on mutual respect and cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, trade, and governance. According to him, unilateral intervention in another country’s internal affairs not only breaches international law but also undermines trust between nations.

He explained that intervention without invitation is typically justified only when there is clear evidence that a government is complicit in atrocities or is incapable of protecting its citizens, situations which do not apply to Nigeria. “Unilateral intervention only happens when there is evidence that a government is complicit in a crisis. That is certainly not the case in Nigeria,” Bwala asserted.

Observers have interpreted Bwala’s statement as a strong reminder of Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining control over its internal security matters while also being open to international collaboration that aligns with national interest. His comments also signal a broader stance by the Tinubu administration to assert Nigeria’s place as a self-reliant regional power rather than a state that yields to external pressure.

Political analysts believe Trump’s statement could have far-reaching diplomatic consequences if not managed carefully. Some argue that his characterization of Nigeria as a “country of concern” may strain relations between the two nations, particularly if it leads to aggressive policy measures. Others see it as part of the former US President’s long-standing rhetoric on religious freedom, noting that his previous administration also placed Nigeria on a similar watchlist in 2020.

Diplomatic experts in Abuja have advised restraint on both sides, urging continued dialogue to prevent escalation. They maintain that global powers must recognize Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional stability and its efforts to combat extremist networks in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

Bwala’s firm defense of national sovereignty underscores the Tinubu administration’s determination to protect Nigeria’s international standing and ensure that its internal affairs remain within its own control. While the conversation over religious persecution continues to attract global attention, the presidency’s response makes it clear that any solution must respect Nigeria’s independence and adhere to global diplomatic norms.

As tensions simmer between the rhetoric of intervention and the reality of diplomacy, the message from Abuja is resolute. Nigeria is ready to work with its allies against terrorism and human rights violations, but it will never allow its borders to be violated under the guise of protection.