Tinubu calls for support to tackle terrorism amid Trump’s invasion threat, army chief Waidi Shaibu vow to crush insurgents

President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged international allies and partners to support Nigeria to combat terrorism, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to invade the country to eliminate terrorists killing Christians. In a statement published on his social media, Mr Tinubu vowed to tackle insecurity and all forms of criminality in the country head-on. This is as Nigeria’s new army chief promised on Friday to step up military operations against Islamist militias in the northeast, days after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible military action if Abuja fails to curb violence against Christians. Trump last week designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, a list of countries that the U.S. says have violated religious freedom. He said on Saturday he had asked the Defense Department to prepare for possible fast military action if Nigeria does not crack down on the killing of Christians. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu made his remarks during his first operational visit to Borno State, the epicentre of a 16-year insurgency that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned,” Shaibu told troops in Borno. “We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” Shaibu urged soldiers to maintain pressure on insurgent groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and promised improved logistics, welfare, and combat support in a bid to rally the troops. Despite gains by the Nigerian military in recent years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have this year stepped up attacks on military basis in Borno and have also targeted civilians.
President Tinubu said “We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society. We urge our allies to stand firmly with us as we amplify our fight against terrorism. We have made significant progress in the past two years, and we will decisively eliminate this threat.” Tinubu called for collaboration from international partners and allies to foster security and economic growth. “Nigeria will be, and remains, a reliable partner and dependable ally to its friends and a steady voice for stability. We also welcome the collaboration and support of our allies, friends, and partners as we strengthen both security and economic growth,” Mr Tinubu said. Mr Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria is indeed faced with terrorism—a challenge the West African country has faced for almost two decades—stating that it will not back down in its fight against the menace. He added, “We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle. Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle. With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail.” Mr Tinubu’s statement followed Mr Trump’s order to the U.S. Department of War to prepare to invade Nigeria to eliminate terrorists killing Christians, should the Nigerian government fail to curtail it. On Thursday, there was report, citing the New York Times, that three plans have been drawn up to be forwarded to the Pentagon, outlining a potential military operation against “Jihadists” and terrorist groups on the rampage in Nigeria, even though Mr Tinubu’s administration is diametrically opposed to the idea.