A former senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General John Enenche (retd.), has thrown his weight behind recent United States airstrikes on ISIS enclaves in northwestern Nigeria, arguing that those opposing the action are acting out of selfish interests rather than genuine national concern.

Enenche described the airstrikes as timely, necessary and long overdue, noting that Nigeria has endured decades of terrorism, banditry and violent extremism without achieving a decisive breakthrough.

According to him, the intervention represents a potential turning point in the country’s prolonged security crisis.
Speaking during a television interview, the retired general said the airstrikes, carried out in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, demonstrated serious international commitment to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

He added that insecurity has inflicted damage far beyond loss of lives, contributing to economic decline, displacement of communities and long-term instability.

“I am very happy about this development. This is a problem that has lasted for over two decades. We have lost so many innocent people despite trying various approaches—diplomacy, dialogue, even negotiating with bandits and terrorists as if there were no other options,” Enenche said.

Reflecting on his personal experience, he recalled serving in affected areas more than 20 years ago and witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by insecurity. He stressed that security should not be viewed only from a military perspective but as a broader issue affecting human lives, livelihoods and national development.

“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw the casualties, the rage and the devastation. Security is about human security, economic security and even cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.

Enenche praised the United States for openly supporting Nigeria, noting that such backing from a global power sends a strong signal to terrorist groups. He linked the strikes to earlier assurances by U.S. leadership to assist Nigeria in addressing insecurity.

“America has come out boldly to say it will help Nigeria. President Donald Trump said they would assist us. For me, this is the beginning of good things for this country,” he stated.

Responding to concerns that U.S. involvement could drag Nigeria into a prolonged foreign conflict, Enenche dismissed such fears as defeatist, arguing that international cooperation has yielded positive results for Nigeria in the past.

“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who project fear and pessimism are enemies of this country. Why didn’t we say this when Nigerians intervened in Liberia, Sierra Leone or Congo? Whenever we cooperate and act as a team, we get results,” he said.

He, however, emphasised that Nigeria must ultimately take responsibility for securing its territory, stressing that while foreign partners may provide air support and intelligence, Nigerian authorities must handle ground operations effectively.

“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy resources properly, and state and local governments must support these efforts,” he said.

On questions about the intelligence behind the strikes, Enenche said the precision of the operation showed advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities beyond what Nigeria currently possesses.

“Look at the capacity and the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. Terrorists do not want to be tracked to their staging or assembly areas,” he said.

The former army spokesman also warned that corruption and poor governance could undermine any gains if not addressed. He urged the Federal Government to confront internal sabotage within the security system.

“We must tackle corruption and poor leadership alongside this effort. There should be no sacred cows. Anyone found complicit, from the highest rank to the lowest, should be dealt with decisively,” he said.

Enenche further advocated greater use of technology, particularly drones, to sustain pressure on criminal groups.

He suggested collective funding by northern states to establish robust surveillance and strike capabilities.
“Surveillance drones reduced criminal activities significantly in some areas for months. If the 19 northern states contribute N1bn monthly, that N19bn can support drone stations with surveillance and even lethal capabilities where permitted,” he said.

Addressing growing opposition to the airstrikes, Enenche accused critics of undermining national interest, alleging that those condemning U.S. involvement may be benefiting from insecurity.
“Anyone opposing this effort is anti-Nigerian. Either you have not lost a loved one or you are benefiting directly from insecurity,” he said.

He also rejected claims that Nigeria’s sovereignty or image would be damaged by foreign military assistance, insisting that saving lives should take precedence.

“If this action saves lives, then the end justifies the means,” he added.
Enenche concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite behind efforts to restore security, warning that both external terrorists and internal collaborators must be confronted for the country to move forward.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend military cooperation with the United States following the airstrikes, warning that American involvement could escalate instability and weaken Nigeria’s sovereignty.