Sowore Warns Against US Military Threat Says Nigeria Must Fix It’s Own Problems

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has warned Nigerians not to support United States President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria, saying such action would only worsen the country’s problems.

Sowore made his remarks on Sunday in response to Trump’s online post threatening to send American troops into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government fails to stop the reported killing of Christians by Islamist groups. He said Trump’s statement might appeal to some Nigerians, but it is a dangerous idea that has never brought peace anywhere.

According to him, foreign intervention has a long history of leaving nations worse off. He cited US wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria as proof that Washington’s military involvement often destroys societies instead of helping them rebuild. Sowore said Nigeria’s challenges can only be solved by honest leadership and accountable governance that protects every citizen regardless of religion.

He stressed that Nigeria does not need help from abroad to find peace. Instead, he urged the government to confront corruption, insecurity, and injustice, which he said are the real threats tearing the nation apart. He also said Trump’s concern for Nigerians was insincere and politically motivated, warning that depending on foreign powers would only make Nigeria weaker.

Sowore’s criticism came shortly after Trump intensified his pressure on Nigeria over alleged religious persecution. The US president had declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern” after citing claims of mass killings of Christians and ordered the Pentagon to prepare a plan of possible military action. He also threatened to suspend all US aid to Nigeria if the government failed to protect Christians.

Trump’s declaration followed a petition from US congressman Riley Moore, who accused the Nigerian government of tolerating the persecution of Christians. Moore called for the suspension of US arms sales and for Nigeria to be reinstated on the list of countries accused of violating religious freedom.

In reaction, President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s statements, insisting that Nigeria remains a democratic nation that guarantees freedom of religion. Tinubu said the portrayal of Nigeria as a country that persecutes Christians is false and ignores the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure religious harmony.

Nigeria was first listed as a “country of particular concern” in 2020 during Trump’s previous term but was later removed from the list by the Biden administration in 2021. The renewed US pressure has revived old debates about religion, security, and foreign influence in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

While Trump’s comments have stirred controversy, Sowore’s warning reflects a broader concern among many Nigerians who fear that foreign intervention would bring chaos rather than peace. For him, Nigeria’s future depends not on outside powers but on its people’s will to reform their nation from within.