FG not maximising America in fight against terrorists -US based Nigerians
Security concerns in Nigeria have taken a troubling turn following the latest wave of killings in Plateau State, with stakeholders warning that terrorism is escalating and urging the Federal Government to urgently strengthen collaboration with the United States military. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, US-based Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, described […]
Aftermath of an attack by suspected Boko Haram at a military base at Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State recently
Security concerns in Nigeria have taken a troubling turn following the latest wave of killings in Plateau State, with stakeholders warning that terrorism is escalating and urging the Federal Government to urgently strengthen collaboration with the United States military.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, US-based Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, described the recent attack as part of a disturbing pattern, noting that it marked the second consecutive Palm Sunday massacre in Plateau State.
“This is unfortunately the second back-to-back Palm Sunday massacre in Plateau State. In 2025, 52 people were also slaughtered… so our condolences to them,” he said, adding that the renewed violence is drawing significant global attention.
According to Ogebe, the scale and persistence of the attacks have triggered reactions from international actors, including lawmakers in the United States and Canada.
He noted that despite being on Easter recess, U.S. congressmembers still spoke out due to the severity of the situation, while discussions also surfaced in the Canadian parliament.
He likened the current level of global concern to the period following the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping in 2014, warning that Nigeria risks reliving a similar international crisis.
Ogebe expressed grave concern over what he described as a surge in terrorist activities, particularly by Boko Haram, citing recent coordinated attacks on four military bases within a week that reportedly claimed the lives of commanding officers.
“While we’re seeing a ramp up, we’re not seeing an equal and commensurate response from the Nigerian military,” he said.
He compared the current situation with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that in the lead-up to the 2015 elections, more aggressive counterterrorism measures—including the use of foreign mercenaries—helped reclaim territory from insurgents.
In contrast, he argued that the current government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has yet to demonstrate a similar level of urgency, despite the presence of U.S. military support.
“The United States has not only provided military equipment, they have provided troops on the ground now in Nigeria… yet we’re not utilising them, because we’re told that their only role is advice and assist when they could do more,” Ogebe stated, urging Tinubu to “seize the moment and carve out a legacy… by crushing this terrorism once and for all.”
Also speaking on the programme, President of the Save Nigeria Group, Stephen Osemwegie, echoed similar concerns, warning that terrorists appear to be gaining momentum while Nigeria struggles to contain the threat.
Osemwegie noted that although global attention had been partially diverted by conflicts in the Middle East, the brutality of the Palm Sunday attack—targeting a significant Christian observance—has reignited international focus on Nigeria.
He revealed that prominent U.S. figures, including Senator Ted Cruz, as well as members of the Republican Party and faith leaders, have spoken out, describing the situation as alarming.
“The State Department, the Congress, and everyone is concerned that after the U.S.-Nigeria partnership… all we see is more killings, more deaths. It is not reducing,” he said.
Osemwegie questioned the effectiveness of the current security arrangement, particularly the deployment of approximately 200 U.S. troops and surveillance assets, asking why such resources have not translated into improved security outcomes.
“What is the disconnect? Because our people are dying on a daily basis,” he lamented, adding that fresh attacks and reports of killings continue to emerge, including incidents in Jos that have heightened fear among residents.
He further warned of a growing climate of insecurity and social breakdown, citing disturbing videos of violence circulating online and raising concerns about public indifference.