Keyamo Says Nigeria Cannot Turn Down Foreign Security Help Amid Rising Terror Threats

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the country’s cooperation with foreign security partners, insisting that Nigeria cannot afford to reject external assistance as it confronts escalating terrorism and violent extremism across several regions.

Keyamo’s remarks followed public debate over recent U.S.-backed airstrikes on terrorist targets in north-western Nigeria, which the Federal Government confirmed were carried out with Abuja’s knowledge and coordination. The strikes reportedly targeted camps linked to Islamic State–affiliated fighters operating in forested areas of Sokoto State. Reacting to criticism that foreign military involvement undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, Keyamo argued that national survival and the protection of citizens must take priority. He likened the security situation to a burning house, saying it would be unreasonable to reject help from capable allies when lives are at stake. "Nigeria is under serious terror threat,” the minister said. “When a nation is battling forces that endanger its existence, the focus must be on saving lives and restoring stability, not on unnecessary political sentiment. The Federal Government has maintained that the U.S. airstrikes were not unilateral, stressing that they were conducted as part of an existing counter-terrorism partnership involving intelligence sharing and operational coordination. Officials said the operation was designed to degrade terrorist networks responsible for deadly attacks, kidnappings and banditry in the region. The development has, however, triggered mixed reactions nationwide. Supporters of the government’s position argue that Nigeria’s security forces need advanced technology, intelligence and airpower to effectively confront transnational terror groups whose operations cut across borders. They insist that strategic partnerships are common practice globally and do not automatically erode sovereignty. Critics, on the other hand, have warned against what they describe as growing dependence on foreign military intervention. Some political figures, clerics and civil society groups have raised concerns about transparency, civilian safety and the long-term implications of foreign involvement in Nigeria’s internal security operations. Despite the controversy, security analysts say the debate reflects a broader dilemma facing Nigeria — how to balance sovereignty with urgent security needs at a time when terrorism, insurgency and banditry continue to stretch the country’s military resources. As the Tinubu administration intensifies its counter-terrorism campaign, Keyamo’s comments signal the government’s readiness to prioritise results and international cooperation in its bid to restore peace and stability, even as public scrutiny of foreign security assistance grows.