Understanding the US-Nigeria Military Cooperation: A Critique

Several weeks ago, it came to light that a small contingent of United States soldiers had arrived in Nigeria. On February 10, it was reported that an additional 200 American troops are being dispatched to support this initial group. It is likely that soon these 200 will require backup, potentially escalating to a thousand US soldiers for protection.

While troop numbers may not seem alarming, history tells a different story, reminiscent of the American presence in Vietnam. In the 1950s, President Dwight Eisenhower sent 740 troops to Vietnam, only for that number to rise significantly over the years. By the time of full military engagement, over 2.7 million US soldiers had served in Vietnam, a clear illustration of how initial small deployments can expand drastically.

The current troop levels should be approaching cautiously because a similar pattern has arisen, with the Nigerian Defence Headquarters Spokesman, Samaila Uba, clarifying that these US soldiers will not engage in combat. Such insinuations are typical precursors to military interventions, where foreign forces often begin as 'advisers.' Vietnam had 16,000 purported 'advisers' before the US escalated its troops significantly.

According to Nigerian officials, the aim of the American military presence is not to engage in combat. They state their mission includes capacity building, military education, intelligence sharing, logistics, and strategic dialogues to address mutual security threats such as terrorism.

However, the core issue lies not in the number of troops, but in the presence of foreign military forces on Nigerian land, which sorely contrasts with what Nigeria's nationalists fought against for independence. After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria opposed any military agreements with exiting colonial power Britain, resisting the notion of becoming a mere puppet state.

Nigeria possesses a capable military, which participated in UN peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The leadership of Nigerian military operations has been recognized globally, and since independence, Nigeria has taken part in numerous multinational military missions across Africa. The potential of learning from the US in conventional warfare seems negligible, given their history of setbacks in various conflicts, including Vietnam and more recently Afghanistan, where their military strategies faltered.

At present, the US seems intent on establishing a military foothold in Nigeria via its African Command (AFRICOM), an initiative that was rejected by Nigerian leaders 25 years ago, including then Chief of Army Staff, General Victor Malu, who vigorously campaigned against it.

No authoritative Nigerian body has formally sanctioned the deployment of US troops on Nigerian territory, raising questions about the line of approval for such military cooperation.

The urgency for the US and France to set up bases in Nigeria is compounded by the ejection of foreign military from neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Chad. The US justified this military move as an effort to combat terrorism, yet the United States has historically benefited from employing violence as a tool for political gain across various conflicts.

For instance, the modern conception of terrorism could be attributed to actions taken by the US in its century-long manipulations overseas, particularly in Afghanistan during the late 1970s. The recruitment of insurgents for jihad against pro-Soviet leaders eventually backfired, as these fighters returned to countries that shunned them, leading to later extremism and groups such as Al-Qaeda.

Boko Haram and its affiliates in West Africa, particularly the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP), can trace some of their ideological and tactical roots to such historical US interventions.

Currently, the power dynamics in Syria, where US-supported factions have gained influence, pose serious inquiries into America's commitment to genuinely battling terrorism.

While it's acknowledged that Nigeria, like every other nation, requires international assistance, it should not compromise its sovereignty or transform into a military satellite. Self-reliance must be prioritised through a concerted effort to address internal security issues rather than relying solely on foreign powers.

Nigerians face a common enemy in terrorists and bandits, regardless of tribal or religious affiliations. Addressing these challenges necessitates a collective homeland defense initiative underpinned by self-reliance and unity.

The essence of Nigeria's fight against insecurity lies in its strength and resolve, ensuring partnerships that do not infringe upon its independence.