Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has cautioned that it would be diplomatically unacceptable for the United States to carry out any military operation in Nigeria without the express approval of the Federal Government.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala emphasized Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting that any external assistance in addressing internal security challenges must be done in partnership and with full respect for the country’s territorial integrity.
His remarks follow a recent statement by US President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump had warned that Nigeria could lose US aid if it failed to tackle insecurity, even suggesting the possible deployment of America’s “Department of War” to combat terrorist groups said to be targeting Christians.
Reacting, Bwala said Trump’s comments were being misinterpreted and expressed optimism that the issue would be clarified when President Tinubu meets with Trump in the coming days.
He, however, commended Trump for approving arms sales to Nigeria during his first term, describing the move as a show of goodwill.
“We are grateful to President Donald Trump because during his first term, he approved arms sales that strengthened Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. In his second term, he has again shown interest in supporting the fight against Boko Haram, which we welcome—but such efforts must rely on credible intelligence, not isolated reports or social media narratives,” Bwala said.
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The presidential aide dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, noting that insecurity affects citizens across religious lines.
On Trump’s warning of possible US military intervention, Bwala maintained that such an action would only be legitimate if carried out in collaboration with Nigeria.
“If it’s a joint operation with Nigeria, that’s acceptable. But diplomatically, it is wrong to invade a sovereign nation without collaboration—especially one that remains a strategic partner in the fight against insecurity,” he said.
“Unilateral intervention only happens when there is evidence that a government is complicit in a crisis. That is certainly not the case in Nigeria.”