The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have thrown their weight behind the United States’ Christmas Day airstrikes on camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State, describing the action as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s protracted war against terrorism.
However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned against civilian casualties, alleging that some of the strikes destroyed farmlands and private buildings in Sokoto and Kwara states.
The strikes, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, marked America’s first direct kinetic military action on Nigerian soil.
They came barely a month after Washington designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians and issued warnings of possible military intervention against Islamist militants.
Reacting to the development, the Anglican Communion said Nigeria must not shy away from seeking international support to confront insecurity that has overwhelmed local capacity.
Speaking, the church’s Communications Officer, Mr Korede Akin, said the position of the Anglican Church on insecurity had long been clear.
“The Primate of the Church of Nigeria has consistently called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the international community in tackling insurgency. Where help is needed, the country should ask for help,” Akin said.
He described the U.S. bombing of ISWAP positions as “good news” for Nigerians traumatised by years of terror attacks, stressing that such actions must be accurately targeted.
“If these bombings are directed at real criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens, then it is something Nigerians will welcome. More of it, if properly targeted, is in the interest of national security,” he added.
Similarly, the PFN applauded the strikes, insisting that Nigeria’s security forces have been overstretched by decades of insurgency.
The PFN National Vice-President (South-South), Archbishop Emmah Isong, said the U.S. intervention reflected global acknowledgement of Nigeria’s security crisis.
“Nigeria has suffered in the hands of terrorists for decades. Our military and security agencies are overwhelmed, under-equipped and under-mobilised. Both Christians and Muslims have cried to the world for help,” Isong said.
He urged the U.S. government to go beyond airstrikes by identifying and sanctioning individuals financing terrorism in Nigeria.
While Christian groups welcomed the strikes, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Catholic Church declined to comment. CAN’s Director of National Issues, Mr Abimbola Ayuba, simply told our correspondent, “No comments please.”
In contrast, MURIC expressed concern over what it described as collateral damage resulting from the air raids.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the group said it supported decisive action against terrorists but warned that civilian lives and property must not be endangered.
“Although terrorists deserve nothing but annihilation and attacks on them are justifiable, such attacks must cause no civilian casualties,” Akintola stated.
According to MURIC, one of the strikes in Jabo area of Tambuwal Local Government, Sokoto State, allegedly hit farmlands, while another strike in Offa, Kwara State, reportedly destroyed several buildings.
“MURIC condemns the alleged destruction of farmland in Sokoto and private buildings in Offa. This will impose additional hardship on residents. We therefore demand immediate compensation for affected property owners,” the statement added.
The group recalled its earlier position that U.S. military action would only be justified if strictly targeted at recognised terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS and ISWAP.
Efforts to obtain official reaction from the Federal Government proved unsuccessful. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is reportedly coordinating the Nigeria–U.S. security collaboration, did not respond to enquiries.
Presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, also failed to respond to calls and messages as of press time.
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