•Praises U.S. Intervention as “Bold and Welcome
Retired Major General John Enenche, a former Director of Defence Information, has vehemently defended the recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria, labeling any opposition to the intervention as unpatriotic.
In an interview on ARISE TV’s ‘Daybreak’ programme on Saturday, the former army spokesperson described the U.S. military action in Sokoto State as a “bold and welcome development” and a potential turning point in Nigeria’s long-standing security crisis.
“Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country,” Enenche stated. “Anyone opposing this effort is anti-Nigerian. Either you have not lost a loved one, or you are benefiting directly from the insecurity.”
The retired general, who also served as Commandant of the Nigerian Army War College, argued that the precision strikes on ISIS affiliates in Tangaza Local Government Area were long overdue after two decades of devastating conflict.
“I am very happy about the development… We have lost so many innocent people despite trying various solutions: diplomatic efforts, dialogue, even bargaining and talking to bandits and terrorists as if there was no other solution,” he said.
Dismissing Sovereignty Concerns
Enenche directly addressed critics, like prominent cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who have warned that foreign military action undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and could lead to destabilization akin to conflicts in the Middle East.
“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives,” Enenche countered. “Why didn’t we say this when Nigerians went to Liberia, Sierra Leone or Congo? Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results.”
He dismissed fears over damaged international reputation, stating, “Is this the first time Nigeria’s image has been damaged? No. We have already been labelled corrupt. But if this action saves lives, then the end justifies the means.”
Calls for Domestic Accountability and Drone Warfare
While praising the U.S. for taking the lead, Enenche emphasized that Nigeria must now “assume ownership” of its internal security and “do the foot-on-ground work.” He called for decisive action against corruption and complacency within the system.
“There should be no sacred cows. From the highest rank to the lowest corporal, anyone found complicit should be dealt with decisively. Heaven will not fall,” he urged.
To sustain the gains from the strikes, Enenche proposed a practical solution: leveraging modern technology. He suggested that the 19 northern states could collectively fund a network of surveillance and lethal drone stations.
“If the 19 northern states are contributing N1bn monthly, that N19bn can be used to establish drone stations… Since we introduced surveillance drones in some areas, criminal activities reduced significantly,” he noted.
Enenche concluded with a firm warning against internal collaborators and a plea for national unity, saying, “We must stop this monstrous menace, both the external terrorists and the internal collaborators, if Nigeria is to move forward.”
