By Tony Okafor
The United States airstrikes against ISIS camps in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, even if carried out at Nigeria’s request, should deeply unsettle us as a sovereign nation.
This incident exposes a troubling reality: Nigeria is losing control over its own internal security.
It is a national embarrassment that a foreign power had to launch decisive attacks on bandits and terrorists operating freely in our backyard.
These groups did not emerge overnight. Their prolonged presence highlights systemic failures in intelligence, security response, and, above all, political will.
The consequences extend beyond security. When a sovereign nation fails to act decisively on internal matters — whether security, elections, or governance — the international community inevitably takes an interest.
Cooperation can quickly turn into influence, and influence into control.
Terrorists should never be allowed to grow so emboldened that their actions necessitate foreign airstrikes. Nor should external actors dictate how our internal challenges are resolved.
This episode is a warning. A serious nation anticipates threats and confronts them decisively.
If Nigeria does not take charge of its affairs, external forces will — a price no sovereign nation should pay.
Nigeria must reclaim its authority and act decisively to secure its own future.
