By Hon. Ogbobe Chidera Stanley
It’s surprising how quickly some people twist facts to fit their fears or political narratives.
Recently, there’s been a wave of misinformation about Donald Trump’s statement concerning the U.S. military and Nigeria.
Let’s set the record straight, Trump never said the American military is coming to fight Nigerians.
He clearly said they’re coming to fight terrorists.
There’s a huge difference between the two.
We need to listen carefully before jumping to conclusions.
The reality is that terrorism has been one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges for over a decade.
From Boko Haram to Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups, too many innocent lives have been lost.
In fact, a report found that between October 2019 and September 2023, at least 16,769 Christians were killed in Nigeria alone, out of the 55,910 people killed in that time span (source: Catholic News Agency).
Another study put the tally since 2009 at over 52,250 Christiansmurdered by Islamist militant groups (source: Vatican News).
If a world power like the United States expresses willingness to help tackle this problem, why should that make us afraid?
Some people are quick to claim that America is coming for our mineral resources, but let’s be honest, America is not after our oil, gold, or lithium.
If that were true, they would have exploited countries where they fought terrorism long ago.
The United States has been involved in anti-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and Libya, yet they didn’t seize or loot those nations’ natural resources.
Instead, they helped build institutions, supported counterterrorism training, and provided humanitarian assistance.
So, what makes us think Nigeria is any different or that our resources are suddenly irresistible to America?
We need to ask ourselves a deeper question, what benefit have these so-called resources brought to ordinary Nigerians?
Do we have good roads, clean water, stable electricity, functional hospitals, or quality education for the poor?
The answer is no.
For decades, these resources have been controlled and exploited by a small circle of elites who have cornered the wealth for personal gain.
So, when people say America wants to “steal our resources,” I ask, what resources are we even talking about?
The same oil, gold, and mineral wealth that have done nothing to uplift the common man?
The same riches that have left millions in poverty while a few individuals live in obscene luxury?
Let’s be truthful, America is not coming to steal from us, they are coming to help fight what has been stealing from us all along, terrorism, insecurity, and corruption.
Those who are panicking should ask themselves, what exactly are you afraid of?
Is it accountability?
Transparency?
Or the fact that a genuine fight against terrorism might expose those who have been benefitting from insecurity?
Because any peace-loving Nigerian should have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Whether you like Trump or not, his message reflects a global truth, terrorism doesn’t respect borders.
Nations must work together to end it.
Instead of spreading fear and misinformation, we should focus on how international cooperation can strengthen our fight against terror and bring lasting peace to our country.
So, let’s stop the unnecessary panic.
The U.S. military isn’t coming to fight Nigerians.
They’re coming to fight those who have been fighting Nigeria, the terrorists.
It’s time to face the truth, separate emotion from fact, and support every sincere effort, local or foreign, that will help restore peace, justice, and stability in our nation.
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