A US-based Nigerian soldier has urged Nigerians to accept President Donald Trump’s plan to send American soldiers to fight Boko Haram, saying the opportunity should not be missed.
The Nigerian soldier, an Urhobo man, shared his views on TikTok under the handle @odjezy.
In his video, he acknowledged the fears many Nigerians hold but revealed the alleged potential benefits of accepting US military assistance.
“As an Urhobo boy who was born in Nigeria, who obtained multiple degrees in Nigeria ranging from law certification to language and literature… I deserve to air my opinion in regards to what is going on in Nigeria at the moment and also with regards to the help that the United States troops want to give right now,” he said.
Addressing Nigerians’ Fears
He explained that many Nigerians are hesitant to accept foreign military intervention because they fear a loss of sovereignty.
He said: “One of the basic fears that Nigerians have is loss of sovereignty. Nigerians are scared that if they allow foreign troops to come, they’re gonna lose their national control and the willpower to do things by themselves because America will always intrude.
“Secondly, Nigerians are scared that the conflict is gonna worsen — that American troops coming in is gonna worsen the situation.
“Thirdly, Nigerians are also scared that there’ll be foreign expectations.
“No. 4, Nigerians are scared that there’ll be severe harm. …Nigerians are scared that there’ll be foreign dependency on America for several reasons.”
Benefits of Accepting US Troops
He also listed five key advantages Nigeria could gain if the plan is accepted:
“Enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, do you know what it means for Nigeria to have access to United States intelligence?”
“Secondly, professional military training.”
“Improved regional security, anywhere America builds their base, they’ll want to keep it safe and secure. United States will not come for your oil because America has enough already.”
“There’ll be strong diplomatic and economic ties.”
“Finally, America wants to know what is going on — why all the help and money collected has been used for. Is that a bad thing to do? From 2017, America has given financial aid and military equipment to Nigeria to assist the obliteration of terrorism in Nigeria.”
“If Nigeria loses this opportunity the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Trump, is offering us at this moment, that means say e don finish,” he added.
Mixed Reactions Among Nigerians
The video has sparked widespread discussion online, with some supporters welcoming the potential US assistance and others warning against reliance on foreign intervention.
The Nigerian government, meanwhile, continues to deny claims of targeted attacks on Christians.