By Jonathan Katungo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Chief Ben Adaji, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat individuals and groups opposing recent United States military action against terrorist targets in Nigeria as terrorists and enemies of the nation.
Adaji made the call in Jalingo on Saturday, following criticism from some Islamic clerics over US airstrikes carried out on Thursday evening against terrorist enclaves in parts of North-West Nigeria.
According to him, the condemnation of the strikes by some prominent voices amounts either to “the height of hypocrisy or an open admission of complicity” in the atrocities perpetrated by terrorists against Nigerians over the years.
Chief Adaji, a former House of Representatives candidate for Ankpa Federal Constituency in Kogi State, said Nigerians have endured untold hardship and enormous losses due to the activities of terrorists.
“The damage they have caused in this country is unquantifiable. Are we talking about the loss of lives and property, or the humiliation of Nigeria before the global community?” he asked.
He expressed disbelief that any rational person could show sympathy for terrorists, insisting that such positions suggest collaboration.
“That is why I listened to some senior clerics condemning the actions of the US military with utter consternation. Every Nigerian should be grateful that the United States has taken this bold step,” Adaji said.
He further called on President Tinubu to treat anyone publicly condemning the US military action as a terrorist.
“It means they are the brains behind these criminals and beneficiaries of the activities of their foot soldiers. There should be no negotiation with terrorists. They should be eliminated,” he stated.
Adaji also urged the United States to sustain and expand its operations to cover all regions plagued by insecurity, particularly areas affected by banditry and violent attacks attributed to armed herders.
“This is the right time to end this madness, and I am confident that the US President, Donald Trump, will see this mission through,” he added.
Describing himself as a security expert in human security and counter-terrorism, Adaji called on the Nigerian government and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure the public prosecution of individuals identified as sponsors or supporters of terrorism.
“Terrorist actions against Nigerians are an affront to our sovereignty. Anyone condemning the US airstrikes is an enemy of the country and should be treated as such,” he said.
He questioned why insecurity, which has claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira, should be politicised.
“Being a religious leader does not place anyone above the law. Nigerians—Christians and Muslims alike—have suffered from the actions of these criminals. There is no need to dialogue with foreign elements waging war against Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Adaji said.
He urged Nigerian security agencies to remain resolute in defending citizens and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
While commending the efforts of security personnel, Adaji called on the Federal Government to provide all necessary support and to cooperate with credible international partners to restore peace and protect the dignity of Nigerians.
