Nigeria Needs Global Support to Tackle Terrorism, Says Tinubu’s Aide

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Sunday Dare, says Nigeria’s battle against terrorism demands robust international cooperation, noting that the country cannot confront the growing threat in isolation.

His comments follow heightened public concern over the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, as well as the persistent activities of terrorist groups nationwide.

In a post on Wednesday, Dare underscored the importance of strategic alliances—particularly with the United States in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity.

“Nigeria does not pretend it can win this war alone, nor should it have to. The strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States has been invaluable,” he wrote.

He recalled the involvement of American special forces in training Nigerian naval units at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, including after the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

“American special forces trained Nigerian naval units during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, including the period following the Chibok schoolgirl abductions and now the Maga girls abduction. Today, training, intelligence cooperation, and joint exercises continue. However, they are not enough to match the scale of the threat,” Dare added.

His remarks come as Nigeria faces increased global scrutiny over its handling of terrorism.

In late October, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged religious freedom violations, warning of what he called an “existential threat” to Christianity from extremist groups. He further cautioned that the U.S. could cut aid or intervene militarily if Nigeria failed to act decisively.

President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s characterization as misleading, arguing that insecurity in the North-Central stems from a complex mix of herder–farmer clashes, banditry, and extremist attacks affecting both Muslims and Christians. Nonetheless, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s willingness to engage in international counter-terrorism partnerships that respect the nation’s sovereignty.