US Airstrikes Against Bandits Timely, Necessary – Afenifere

By Ayodele Oni

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has described as timely and necessary, the airstrikes conducted by the United States military forces against the ISIS-affiliated terrorists in the North West axis of Nigeria.

The Yoruba group emphasised that the operation will, in no small measure, restore safety and normalcy in communities that have for a while been terrorised.

Afenifere, in a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu,  pointed out that the coordinated military response was a decisive and necessary step to confront years of relentless insecurity and widespread abductions.

The statement comes hours after the official confirmation from the Defence Headquarters that the strikes, targeting terrorist enclaves, were carried out with the explicit approval of the federal government

According to the statement “The recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the joint air strikes conducted by Nigerian and United States military forces against ISIS terrorist elements in Northwest Nigeria were executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities is both timely and necessary.

“Afenifere unequivocally supports this decisive action, which comes after years of relentless insecurity that has held communities hostage and undermined the very fabric of the nation.

“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation.

“For far too long, innocent Nigerians have been subjected to relentless attacks, abductions and wanton destruction of property, while insufficient measures were taken to decisively confront these terrorist enclaves.

“The vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance has, regrettably, invited the intervention of capable partners who understand the urgency of the situation.

“Afenifere wishes to stress that true sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure the nation’s borders.

“The lives of Nigerians and the preservation of national peace must always take precedence over political sentiment or populist critique.

“The swift and coordinated military response demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring safety and stability to affected regions.

“We call upon all citizens, political leaders, and civil society actors to resist any temptation to undermine these efforts with misplaced criticism.

“Now is the time for solidarity, support and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.

“The courage, professionalism and decisive action displayed by both Nigerian and United States forces should be applauded. Afenifere reaffirms its support for any measures, domestic or joint, that will ensure that Nigeria’s citizens can live in safety and security, free from the scourge of terror.”