The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has declared its full support for the recent air strikes carried out by United States military forces against ISIS-affiliated terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North West.
The group described the military action, conducted with the approval of the Nigerian government, as timely and capable of restoring safety and normalcy to communities that have endured years of terror and insecurity.
Afenifere’s position was contained in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, and made available to The Guardian. The statement followed official confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the air strikes were executed with the explicit approval of the Federal Government.
According to Afenifere, the coordinated military response represents a decisive and necessary step in addressing prolonged insecurity, widespread abductions, and persistent terrorist attacks that have destabilised the region.
The group noted that the failure to confront terrorists directly in their strongholds over the years created a security vacuum, making external and capable partnerships inevitable. It argued that the involvement of the United States was a logical development given the scale and duration of the security challenges.
“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,” the statement read.
Afenifere stressed that sovereignty should not be measured by political rhetoric but by a nation’s ability to protect its citizens, enforce the rule of law, and secure its borders. It added that the protection of Nigerian lives and the preservation of national peace must take precedence over populist criticism.
The organisation also called for national unity, urging citizens, political leaders, and civil society groups to support the ongoing counter-terrorism operations rather than undermine them with what is described as misplaced criticism.
“Now is the time for solidarity, support and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians,” the group said, while commending the courage and professionalism of both Nigerian and United States forces.
Afenifere reaffirmed its support for all domestic and joint measures aimed at ensuring that Nigerians can live in safety and security, free from the scourge of terrorism.
