US airstrikes in Nigeria is a disgrace,exposes weak foreign policy — Expert

An International Relations expert, Prof. Murtala Muhammad, has described the U.S airstrikes in Nigeria as a national disgrace that exposes deep weaknesses in the country’s foreign policy, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty, security credibility, and international standing.

Prof. Muhammad, a lecturer in the Department of History and International Relations at Northwest University, Kano, stated this in an exclusive interview with SolaceBase.

SolaceBase had reported U.S airstrikes on ISIS enclaves in Sokoto State, Northwest, Nigeria, on Thursday night.

According to him, the incident highlights Nigeria’s failure to assert itself diplomatically, allowing foreign powers to take actions that undermine the country’s independence and authority.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation and should be able to stand on its own. When a foreign country carries out airstrikes or makes unilateral security decisions affecting Nigeria, it reflects a breakdown in diplomatic engagement and a weak foreign policy posture.”

He warned that such developments have serious negative impacts on Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly on the morale of security personnel fighting insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across the country.

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“It sends a dangerous message that Nigeria cannot secure itself. This perception weakens the confidence of our security agencies and emboldens insurgent groups, who may see it as proof that the Nigerian state lacks control over its territory.”

The scholar recalled Nigeria’s long-standing role as a regional security leader in Africa, noting that the country has historically intervened in conflicts and crises across the continent.

“Nigeria has helped several countries in terms of security, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.”

“From West Africa to other parts of the continent, Nigeria has deployed troops, resources, and diplomatic influence, including interventions related to the recent coup situation in Benin.”

He added that a country with such a legacy of regional leadership is now being treated as incapable of managing its own affairs.

“Despite these sacrifices and contributions, Nigeria has failed to stabilise its own security challenges, which raises serious questions about leadership, coordination, and long-term security planning.”

Prof. Muhammad further emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance, describing the country as Africa’s most populous nation with vast mineral and human resources and significant geopolitical influence.

“Nigeria is widely celebrated across Africa and beyond, with its huge population, economic potential, and natural resources, Nigeria should command respect on the global stage. It should not be subjected to threats or actions that undermine its dignity as a nation.”

On allegations by the United States concerning an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, Prof. Murtala Muhammad dismissed the claims as false and misleading, stressing that they do not reflect the reality on the ground.

“The narrative of a Christian genocide in Nigeria is not true, the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied it, and many countries across the world agree that the victims of violence in Nigeria include both Muslims and Christians.”

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According to him, insecurity in Nigeria is driven by complex factors such as terrorism, banditry, criminality, and weak governance rather than religious persecution.

He also cautioned that persistent external pressure and threats based on inaccurate narratives could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships and weaken trust between Nigeria and its international partners.

Prof. Muhammad called on the federal government to urgently rethink and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing the need for a more assertive, coherent, and interest-driven diplomatic strategy.

“Nigeria must engage the international community from a position of strength, partnerships should be based on mutual respect, not intimidation or misrepresentation.”

He further urged Nigerian authorities to invest more in intelligence gathering, border security, and regional cooperation, while ensuring that diplomatic channels are used effectively to counter false narratives about the country.