US May be Plotting military Base in Nigeria, Says Dambazau
A former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), has raised concerns that the United States may be positioning itself to establish a military base in Nigeria under the guise of humanitarian or religious concerns.
Dambazau, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff between 2008 and 2010, made the remark on Tuesday in Abuja during a public lecture organised by the Just Friends Club of Nigeria.
He said recent statements from certain American politicians and religious figures accusing the Nigerian government of persecuting Christians might not be entirely altruistic but could be part of a broader strategic agenda.
According to him, “The emerging narratives from some foreign actors including US congressmen and some religious leaders alleging a so-called ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, are worrisome. Such claims, which are not supported by verified evidence, may be paving the way for foreign interference or even military presence on our soil.”
The retired general cautioned Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid being swayed by divisive rhetoric, stressing that the country’s unity and sovereignty must be protected at all costs.
He added that Nigeria’s internal security challenges though serious should not be exploited by external powers seeking to advance their geopolitical interests in West Africa.
“The United States has been known to establish military bases in regions where it perceives instability, often under the pretext of security cooperation or counterterrorism,” Dambazau noted. “Nigeria must learn from the experiences of other African countries and guard against any arrangement that could compromise our independence.”
Dambazau further called for strengthened national intelligence and diplomatic engagement to counter misinformation and ensure Nigeria maintains balanced international relations.
The remarks come amid heightened tension following recent controversial comments by US President Donald Trump, who alleged “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian religious and political leaders.
Observers say Dambazau’s warning underscores growing fears that global power competition could increasingly play out in Africa, with Nigeria being a strategic focal point due to its size, economy, and regional influence.
