Several prominent leaders from the northern region have expressed their opposition to the establishment of French and American military bases in Nigeria, particularly after being expelled from neighboring Francophone West African countries like the Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, one of these leaders, cautioned that Nigeria could potentially be entering into conflict with Russia, which now has a military presence in the Niger Republic after the removal of French and American troops by the junta in power.
As a scholar and senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof. Ibrahim argued that having French and American military bases in Nigeria would not contribute to the fight against terrorism, contrary to what some supporters of the idea claim.
He emphasized that the presence of French and American troops in the Sahel region for more than a decade has not effectively countered terror groups like Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, and Boko Haram.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Prof. Ibrahim stressed that Nigeria must safeguard its sovereignty from foreign influences and avoid compromising its neutrality towards global superpowers.
He pointed out that despite the French military presence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger for 12 years, terrorism escalated, arms continued to reach terrorists, and insurgent groups expanded their control over territories.
The argument questioning the effectiveness of the French presence in resolving terrorism issues in other countries is a valid concern raised by Prof. Ibrahim and other prominent leaders in Nigeria.
The warning against the potential relocation of French and American military bases to Nigeria, as claimed by the leaders, highlights the strategic implications and national security risks involved.
The assertion that Nigeria should maintain neutrality in its military relationships with various countries, especially considering the rivalry between Russia and the United States, underscores the importance of safeguarding the nation’s interests and security.
