Political commentator Bemigho Reno Omokri has rejected claims by activist Omoyele Sowore that recent international actions against terrorists operating in Nigeria amount to a loss of the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement on Thursday, Omokri said assertions that foreign military cooperation proves Nigeria is no longer sovereign and reflects a poor understanding of international relations and global security practices.
According to him, several larger and older nations have, at different times, sought and received direct military assistance from foreign partners, including the United States, when confronted with terrorist groups operating within civilian populations.
He noted that such collaborations are often necessary where the use of conventional military force could endanger innocent lives.
Omokri described it as inaccurate to label Nigeria’s government and armed forces as weak, stressing that the Nigerian military has a long history of successful peacekeeping and stabilisation missions across the world. He cited Nigeria’s interventions in Congo in 1960, Tanzania in 1964, Lebanon in 1978, and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone and other Mano River countries between 1991 and 2006.
He also recalled Nigeria’s role in restoring democratically elected governments in countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe, adding that these interventions were carried out at the invitation of the affected nations, the United Nations or regional organisations, without undermining their sovereignty.
Omokri further stated that Nigerian military personnel have earned international recognition, with some serving as Chiefs of Army Staff in other countries due to their training and professionalism.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by terrorist groups who blend into civilian communities, he said combating such threats often requires international cooperation, particularly in areas like precision targeting. He added that no single country has ever defeated terrorism in isolation.
The commentator also dismissed suggestions that receiving foreign support automatically makes individuals or governments puppets, referencing Sowore’s own admission of receiving funding from U.S.-based agencies.
Omokri urged Nigerians to direct their anger at terrorists and their sponsors rather than criticising efforts aimed at restoring peace and security. He maintained that protecting lives and property by all legal and moral means should remain the nation’s top priority.
He concluded by calling on influential voices to promote unity and peace, encouraging terrorists to renounce violence and embrace the Nigerian Constitution.
“Projecting anger at anything that will bring relief to Nigerians affected by terror is not patriotic,” Omokri said, ending his statement with a prayer for the country.
