Leaders from the Southern and Middle Belt regions have firmly rejected any plans for a U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, describing such an action as unwarranted, dangerous, and an affront to national sovereignty.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups — under the umbrella of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) — cautioned that Nigeria’s internal challenges must be resolved through dialogue, reform, and diplomacy, not foreign military force.
The leaders argued that external intervention, particularly by the United States, could destabilize the country and further inflame existing security tensions.
“We do not need unsolicited military assistance or intervention from any foreign power. Nigeria’s problems can and must be solved by Nigerians,” the statement read.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to maintain a non-aligned foreign policy and resist pressures that could compromise the nation’s independence or security.
According to the forum, allowing foreign troops on Nigerian soil would set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust and undermining Africa’s collective ability to address its security issues internally.
The leaders further called on the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support Nigeria’s sovereignty and reject any form of external aggression.
Analysts say the statement underscores growing regional consensus against U.S. military involvement following recent tensions between Washington and Abuja over security and diplomatic disagreements.
