Political strategist Baba Yusuf has said Nigeria must take primary responsibility for tackling terrorism and banditry, stressing that the United States cannot continue to shoulder the country’s security challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, Yusuf said Nigeria must act as a sovereign nation by strengthening its own security efforts while maintaining strategic international partnerships.
“America cannot continue to fight our insecurity issues. We must stand as a sovereign nation and do what we have to do. We need collaboration and strategic engagements,” he said.
Yusuf described US President Donald Trump’s reported commendation of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts against terrorism as a positive development for Nigeria.
“Well, I think if we are following carefully the relationship between President Trump and the Congress, we can see synergies around there.
“About the resolution of the Congress vis-à-vis some of the key issues that touch on the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, I welcome the development even before President Trump welcomed it. So it’s a good one for us as a country,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the long-term success of the fight against insecurity would depend on Nigeria’s ability to sustain military operations and promote national unity.
“Whether or not we are going to sustain the fight against insecurity to make the requisite impacts, whether or not we are able to manage the relationship between Muslims and Christians, going forward is what remains to be seen,” Yusuf said.
He acknowledged the support provided by the United States, including the supply of security equipment, noting that recent operations had led to the elimination of senior terrorist figures.
“Indeed, America has also provided some equipment with this particular intervention. We see the taking out of some key senior figures of the terrorists, but sustainability is key.
“And as a Nigerian, that is what I wait to see because what is important for me is what is happening to Muslims, Christians, and even free thinkers in Nigeria moving forward,” he added.
