Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has said it would be diplomatically wrong for the United States to conduct any military operation in Nigeria without the Federal Government’s approval.
In an interview with BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting that any foreign involvement in its internal security must be based on cooperation and mutual respect for territorial integrity.
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. Trump warned that continued insecurity could affect U.S. aid and hinted at possible military action by America’s “Department of War” against terrorist groups targeting Christians.
Bwala described Trump’s comments as largely misunderstood, expressing optimism that President Tinubu would address the issue directly when he meets Trump in the coming days. He also praised Trump for approving arms sales to Nigeria during his first term, calling it an act of goodwill.
Rejecting claims of a “Christian genocide,” Bwala said insecurity cuts across all religious communities. He added that while Nigeria welcomes U.S. support against Boko Haram, such collaboration should rely on verified intelligence, not speculation or online rumours.
Responding to the idea of unilateral U.S. military involvement, Bwala stressed that any intervention must be jointly executed. He explained that invading a sovereign nation without its consent violates diplomatic norms, particularly when that nation remains a key ally in global counterterrorism efforts.
