The Coalition of Nigerians for National Sovereignty and Unity (CONNSU), has called on the United States and United Kingdom to support Nigeria’s war against terrorism.
The call followed security advisories by the United States Mission in Nigeria and the United Kingdom High Commission on potential terrorists’ attacks in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The National Coordinator of the Coalition, Mr. Musa Taidi, said that CONNSU was alarmed that less than 24 hours after the initial security alert, the United States Embassy in Nigeria authorised the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members due to what it termed “the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.”
“Ordinarily, security advisories are routine and designed to help de-escalate tension and nip activities of terrorists and their like in the bud. Nigerian security agencies, especially the Department of State Services, DSS, has occasionally issued such advisories. This is an overreach and we believe designed to cause panic and weaken the resolve and strident efforts of the Nigerian security architecture amidst great gains over elements that pose existential threats to Nigeria”, Taidi said.
He also said that “It is pertinent to state that on April 26, 2022, the DSS alerted the nation of plans by terrorists to plant IEDs and aim at soft targets in the country. It is to the credit of the Nigerian security architecture that the plans of enemies of the State and their sponsors were put in check and nothing major happened across the country. Also, the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have all issued similar advisories of which the intelligence community have acted swiftly and decisively to”.
He stressed that for the U.S to ask for the departure of its citizens in the face of the commitment and tireless effort of the Nigerian Government and its security apparatus is a great disservice and premature.
“While we are not unmindful of the obligation of the U.S and UK Governments to their citizens, we believe working closely with the Nigerian Government and strengthening ongoing clearance field and intelligence operations will be more meaningful than back-to-back advisories. Owing to their superior technology, the U.S and UK governments should provide credible leads to the Nigerian security especially the DSS rather than stoking fear in the run up to a major election in 2023″, he pointed out.
The group however urged Nigerians to support the effort of the Government and security forces in defeating common enemies.
