A former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Henry Ayoola (retd.), has dismissed fears that the United States might invade Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s recent threat to deploy troops over alleged genocide against Christians.
Speaking in an interview with Imoleayo Oyedeyi, Ayoola said the alarm over a possible US military attack was unnecessary, insisting that such action would contradict America’s stated aim of protecting lives.
According to him, “America cannot, on the grounds of Nigeria being designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) or even with the escalated label of genocide against Christians, attack Nigeria. If their aim is to protect Christians, it makes no sense to bomb the same areas where they live.”
The retired general explained that the CPC designation—under the United States International Religious Freedom Act of 1998—is not new to Nigeria, noting that the country has appeared on the list every year since 2009, when Boko Haram emerged.
> “The first time Nigeria was officially designated a CPC was in 2020, under President Trump himself,” Ayoola stated. “If we were not attacked then, it’s illogical to assume the US will attack now. Being on that list is not a death sentence.”
He clarified that the CPC status only indicates that a nation has been found to tolerate “systematic, continuous, and egregious” violations of religious freedom.
However, Ayoola argued that the persistent violence
in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East, justifies foreign military collaboration to end terrorism.> “If we’ve been battling insurgency for 16 years without success, what’s wrong with accepting external help?” he asked. “Even America collaborates with other nations like Israel on military technology and strategy. It doesn’t diminish our sovereignty.”
The retired commander cited the October 2020 rescue of American hostage Philip Walton in Niger and Nigeria as proof of America’s operational capability and precision.
> “That operation happened with Nigeria’s full consent. No innocent Nigerian was harmed. So, what’s the big deal now?”
Ayoola also dismissed fears that Washington’s interest could be a ploy to establish a military base in Nigeria, as suggested by former Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.).
> “America will always act in its national interest, but we too should act in ours,” he said. “If foreign cooperation can help us defeat insurgency faster, we must at least weigh the option carefully. It’s all about strategic trade-offs.”
He emphasised that America’s involvement—if it ever happens—should be seen as an opportunity for partnership, not subjugation.
“America isn’t Father Christmas. Every nation acts out of interest. But if their interest aligns with ours in ending terrorism, then that’s a win-win.”
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