Nigeria needs international collaboration to fight terrorism, says Tinubu’s aide

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy, has stressed the need for stronger international support in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, saying the country cannot shoulder the burden alone. His comments follow the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, and renewed concerns over escalating terrorist attacks.

In a statement posted on Wednesday, Dare highlighted the long-standing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. He recalled how American special forces trained Nigerian naval units during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency and after the Chibok girls were abducted in 2014 support that continues today through training, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises.
Despite this, Dare warned that current efforts are “not enough” to match the expanding threat.

His remarks come amid increased international scrutiny. In October, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of failing to protect religious freedoms and warning of possible U.S. military intervention if Nigeria does not act decisively.
The Tinubu administration dismissed Trump’s accusations as oversimplified and inaccurate, noting that Nigeria’s insecurity stems from a complex mix of banditry, herder farmer conflicts, and terrorism that affects both Christians and Muslims.
Nonetheless, the presidency says it welcomes global cooperation provided it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.