Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has issued a stern rebuke of the threat by United States President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria.
Sowore warned that foreign powers with a history of exploitation cannot genuinely act in the interest of the country.
Sowore, speaking on Tuesday after his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations bordering on cybercrime and defamation, argued that Nigeria must resist dependency on Western military assistance, insisting that such partnerships often serve geopolitical interests rather than the security needs of the Nigerian people.
According to him, relying on the US for counterterrorism and defence support is both “historically dangerous” and “strategically shortsighted.”
“Someone who enslaved you can’t love you,” Sowore said, referencing the historical record of Western powers in Africa.
“Nigeria must build an independent, accountable security structure—not outsource its sovereignty,” he added.
He argued that US military footprints across Africa have often been linked to political interference, destabilisation, and prolonged dependency.
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Instead of turning to external powers, Sowore urged the government to reform Nigeria’s defence institutions, address corruption in the security sector, and invest in modernised training and equipment.
He further stressed that insecurity persists not because Nigeria lacks resources, but because the political leadership has failed to prioritise citizens’ safety.
Sowore’s comments come amid possible US counterterrorism support in Nigeria following rising extremist attacks across the country.