US Strikes Understandable but Risky — Miyetti Allah

A retired Nigerian military officer, Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, has said reported United States efforts to weaken insurgents may be understandable but warned that such actions carry serious risks if not properly coordinated with Nigerian authorities.

Bakoji, who is also the Kano State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, told *DAILY POST* that foreign military support aimed at reducing the capacity of armed groups could have negative consequences without close collaboration with local security agencies.

According to him, operations carried out without full coordination could expose civilians to danger and worsen insecurity in other regions.

“If the United States is trying to weaken insurgents, the objective can be understood,” Bakoji said. “However, such operations are risky if they are not fully coordinated with Nigerian security forces.”

He explained that a lack of local cooperation could lead to unintended outcomes, including the spread of violence to new areas and erosion of trust between communities and the government.

“Uncoordinated actions can endanger civilians, undermine local governance, or even push insurgents into other areas,” he said. “For these operations to be effective, there must be close collaboration with Nigerian authorities and clear measures to protect civilians.”

Bakoji added that while foreign assistance may offer short-term support, Nigeria must prioritise strengthening its own security capacity.

He said sustainable peace would depend on effective governance, strong security institutions and meaningful engagement with local communities, rather than reliance on external military actions alone.