The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind the recent joint airstrikes by Nigerian and United States forces against ISIS terrorist elements operating in parts of North-West Nigeria, describing the operation as timely, necessary, and decisive.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group said the coordinated air assault—confirmed by the Defence Headquarters—marked a critical turning point after years of unrelenting insecurity that had devastated communities and livelihoods.
“Afenifere unequivocally supports this decisive action, which comes after years of relentless insecurity that has held communities hostage and undermined the very fabric of the nation,” the statement said.
The organisation argued that the involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts should be acknowledged rather than criticised, noting that mass abductions, repeated attacks, and widespread destruction persisted largely because past responses were ineffective.
“For far too long, innocent Nigerians have been subjected to relentless attacks, abductions and wanton destruction of property, while insufficient measures were taken to decisively confront these terrorist enclaves,” Afenifere stated.
According to the group, decades of governance failures created a dangerous vacuum that allowed terrorist networks to thrive, making strategic collaboration with capable international partners inevitable.
“The vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance has, regrettably, invited the intervention of capable partners who understand the urgency of the situation,” the statement added.
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty raised in some quarters, Afenifere maintained that sovereignty should be judged by a government’s capacity to protect lives and secure the nation, not by political posturing.
“True sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure the nation’s borders,” it said.
The group stressed that the safety of Nigerians and the preservation of national peace must take precedence over populist criticism, describing the airstrikes as evidence of the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to restore security in troubled regions.
Afenifere urged Nigerians across political, ethnic, and ideological divides to rally behind ongoing counter-terrorism operations, warning against undermining national security efforts through what it called misplaced criticism.
“Now is the time for solidarity, support and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians,” the organisation said.
Commending the professionalism and bravery of both Nigerian and United States forces, Afenifere reaffirmed its support for all lawful domestic and joint measures aimed at ensuring Nigerians can live in safety, free from the scourge of terror.
Fidelis David
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