The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has said recent United States military strikes targeting terrorists in Nigeria signal a new phase in the country’s long-running fight against insecurity.
Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Tuggar said the development underscored Nigeria’s seriousness in tackling terrorism and its readiness to work with international partners to achieve results.
‘This shows what we’ve been saying all along, that Nigeria is dead serious about the fight against terrorism and insecurity.
‘For those who doubted Nigeria’s resolve, this clearly shows that we are ready, willing, and able to work with partners, with the US, and with other countries to fight terrorism’, Tuggar said.
Tuggar stressed that the Federal Government was more concerned about outcomes than the motives behind the intervention, noting that Nigeria’s security situation required urgent and practical solutions.
‘We are not dwelling on Trump’s reason being to stop Christian killings; what concerns us are the results. We are in a dire situation and need results’, he said.
The minister explained that Nigeria’s approach prioritised tangible security gains over philosophical debates about intent.
‘So that’s the difference between what I keep saying is deontology and consequentialism. We’re focusing on the consequentialist aspect of things, the results’, Tuggar added.
Reiterating the severity of the country’s security challenges, he said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with willing partners to confront terrorism.
‘We are in a very dire situation. We need results. We’re willing to partner with others to achieve those results, and this is an indication of a new phase in an old conflict’, he said.
His comments come amid public debate following confirmation that the US carried out airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria.
Tuggar had earlier disclosed that Nigeria provided intelligence and approved the operation, dismissing claims that the strikes infringed on the country’s sovereignty.
According to the government, the operation was part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and its allies aimed at degrading terrorist networks and strengthening the fight against insurgency and banditry across the country.
