The recent U.S. airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria have sparked inquiries regarding the selection of Sokoto State as the first site for these operations.
International human rights lawyer and foreign affairs specialist Emmanuel Ogebe indicated that the decision to target Sokoto seems to stem from strategic familiarity rather than the severity of violence in the region.
Ogebe noted that Sokoto has a background of U.S. military involvement.
In 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency, American special forces conducted a rescue operation in the state, successfully freeing U.S. citizen Philip Walton from kidnappers, resulting in the deaths of six terrorists.
He characterized Sokoto as an unconventional first target, emphasizing that it is not the epicenter of jihadist violence in Nigeria.
He highlighted that the North East, especially Borno State, and the North Central region, including Benue State, have experienced more lethal attacks recently.
Read also:
- ‘Africa, FG, Lagos, others must discard ongoing, future plans to privatize water services’
- Lagos warns unapproved private schools to register or face sanctions
- Heineken unveils new 45cl Bottle in Lagos
Ogebe suggested that the U.S. may view the North West as a safer option due to prior experiences, improved intelligence, and familiarity with the area.
He also mentioned that Sokoto’s proximity to Niger Republic might have influenced the decision, as the U.S. has previously operated military bases there and has a good understanding of the regional security dynamics.
The federal government has stated that the airstrikes were conducted in collaboration with the United States and other allies.
Ogebe found this assertion credible, referencing the 2020 rescue mission that nearly failed due to delays in obtaining clearance for Nigerian airspace.
He argued that lessons learned from that incident make it improbable for the U.S. to conduct strikes in Nigeria without comprehensive approval and coordination now.
Ogebe further pointed out that the loss of U.S. military bases in Niger following a military coup has compelled Washington to modify its operations throughout the Sahel region.
However, he expressed skepticism about the broader implications of the strikes in Sokoto, noting that the region is not primarily responsible for the majority of mass civilian casualties in Nigeria.
He highlighted that over 600,000 Christians have been displaced in Benue State alone, a number surpassing the total displacement across many states in the North West combined.
Ogebe also suggested that the strikes might be connected to U.S. concerns regarding the kidnapping of American missionary pilot Dan Rideout in Niger Republic, with fears that he could be transferred to terrorist groups operating near Nigeria.
In conclusion, he stated that the selection of Sokoto indicates a specific American security interest rather than a comprehensive response to Nigeria’s most violent areas.
