A retired Nigerian military officer and leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has said recent reports of United States military efforts to weaken insurgent groups may be understandable, but warned that such actions could be dangerous if they are not properly coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
Captain Abdullahi Bakoji (rtd), who is also the Kano State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, said foreign military support can help reduce the strength of armed groups, but only if it is done in close partnership with Nigeria’s security agencies. He warned that acting without full local cooperation could put civilians at risk and worsen insecurity in other parts of the country.
Speaking on the issue, Bakoji said the intention behind the reported US actions appears to be to support Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, especially in areas affected by long-running violence. However, he stressed that even well-meaning foreign operations can create serious problems if they are not well planned and coordinated.
“The United States tries to weaken insurgents as reported, and in that sense the goal is understandable if it is so,” Bakoji said. “However, such operations carry risks if they are not fully coordinated with Nigerian security forces.”
Nigeria has faced serious security challenges for over a decade, especially in the North-East, where Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out attacks on communities, security forces, and public facilities. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been forced to leave their homes. Other parts of the country, including the North-West and North-Central, are also battling banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes.
Over the years, Nigeria has received different forms of support from foreign partners, including training, intelligence sharing, and equipment. The United States has been one of such partners, often saying its support is aimed at helping Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region fight terrorism and improve security.
Bakoji, however, warned that when foreign forces act without deep understanding of local conditions, the result can be harmful. According to him, uncoordinated military actions can lead to civilian casualties, damage trust between communities and government, and even cause violence to spread to new areas.
“Uncoordinated actions can endanger civilians, undermine local governance, or even push insurgents into other areas,” he said. “When fighters are pressured in one place without a clear plan, they often move to other regions, bringing violence with them.”
He added that Nigeria is a complex country with many ethnic, religious, and social differences, and security operations must be sensitive to these realities. Bakoji said local knowledge is key to any successful military effort, whether led by Nigeria or supported by foreign partners.
The retired officer stressed that for any foreign military support to be effective, the Nigerian government must play a central role and ensure strong coordination with international partners. He said protecting civilians should be a top priority in all operations.
“For these operations to be effective, the Nigerian government must ensure close collaboration with international partners and protect civilians,” he said. “Without this, even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes.”
Bakoji also used the opportunity to speak about the role of local communities in addressing insecurity. As a leader of Miyetti Allah, an association that represents cattle breeders across Nigeria, he said many rural communities are often caught in the middle of violent conflicts. He noted that herders and farmers alike suffer when insecurity spreads.
Miyetti Allah has in the past raised concerns about attacks on herders, cattle rustling, and the impact of insecurity on livestock movement and food production. Bakoji said these issues show why security efforts must be broad and inclusive, not focused only on military action.
While acknowledging that foreign assistance can help in the short term, Bakoji said Nigeria must not rely too heavily on external forces. He argued that lasting peace will only come when Nigeria strengthens its own security systems and addresses the root causes of conflict.
“Foreign assistance can be helpful in the short term, but Nigeria must focus on strengthening its own security systems,” he said. “Lasting peace will depend more on effective governance, strong security institutions, and active engagement with local communities than on external military actions alone.”
He pointed out that issues such as poverty, unemployment, poor education, and weak local governance often create conditions that allow insurgency and crime to grow. According to him, military force alone cannot solve these problems.
Bakoji called on the government to invest more in intelligence gathering, community policing, and dialogue with local leaders. He said traditional rulers, community groups, and civil society organisations have important roles to play in building trust and preventing violence.
