By Ayo Kehinde
Nigerian diaspora groups in the United States have rejected President Donald Trump’s planned military intervention in Nigeria, warning that such an action would violate the country’s sovereignty and further destabilise its fragile security landscape.
The groups, in a joint statement issued in New York by Ms Temi Aregbesola, President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), on behalf of OAN and 19 other Nigerian organisations in the U.S., maintained that Nigeria needs partnership, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic cooperation — not foreign boots on its soil.
“While we recognise and join in the urgent concern over the killings of Christians, Muslims, and other innocent Nigerians, we unequivocally reject the idea of foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We remind all international partners that the protection of its citizens must remain in the hands of the Nigerian government, in collaboration, not under coercion”, the groups declared.
The coalition stressed that foreign military involvement is not a viable solution to Nigeria’s internal crises, arguing that such interference could escalate tensions and erode the nation’s independence.
“Foreign military presence is not the answer. The Nigerian government must take full responsibility for safeguarding its people”, they said.
However, the groups expressed disappointment over the inability of successive administrations to curb the worsening violence, kidnappings, and displacement of civilians across the country. They noted that the persistent pattern of killings and insecurity highlights deep flaws in governance, security coordination, and accountability.
“The pattern of killings and displacement in several states reveals serious security lapses and a lack of accountability. Nigeria’s leadership must now act decisively, not wait to be forced by external threats”, the coalition stated.
The diaspora organisations urged the Federal Government to strengthen its protection of lives and property nationwide by deploying more resources and ensuring better coordination between federal, state, and local authorities.
They further encouraged the government to engage in constructive collaboration with the United States and other global partners through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and technology transfer — but without compromising Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty.
According to them, the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” should serve as a wake-up call for decisive leadership, not an excuse for foreign interference.
“Nigeria must safeguard its national sovereignty and demonstrate that it is capable of addressing its internal challenges”, they cautioned.
The coalition also demanded greater transparency in Nigeria’s security operations, calling for a comprehensive public audit of military and police efforts, accountability for perpetrators of violence, and adequate support for victims and survivors.
They recommended that the Federal Government work with civil society, faith-based organisations, and diaspora communities to develop a national framework to protect religious and ethnic minorities, restore peace, and rebuild trust among affected communities.
“OAN and partner organisations stand for a peaceful, just, and secure Nigeria where every citizen — Christian, Muslim, or traditionalist — can live free from fear. Nigeria needs partnership, not occupation.”
