US Airstrikes: Middle Belt Forum Urges Nationwide Offensive Against Terrorists, Sponsors

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has endorsed the Christmas Day airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as timely and crucial in the long-running battle against terrorism.

The group called on authorities to widen the scope of the military action to other parts of the country where terrorist groups continue to launch deadly attacks on innocent civilians.

Speaking on the development, MBF National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said the airstrikes marked a major breakthrough after years of persistent insecurity, noting that Nigerians had waited too long for decisive action against armed groups terrorising communities nationwide.

“The airstrike is a very welcome development, and we thank God that the President gave assent to it. What our government could not do in the past 15 years is now being done for us,” he said.

Dr. Pogu commended United States President Donald Trump for what he described as stepping in at a critical moment, while also praising the Nigerian government for backing the operation.

According to him, the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States demonstrates that terrorism can be defeated if there is sufficient political will.

He stressed that the offensive should not be restricted to the North-West alone. “As far as we are concerned, it is a welcome development. This is the beginning and the start of the main thing. Let them smoke all of them out and let us have peace in Nigeria,” he said.

The MBF president also warned against tolerating individuals or groups who openly defend or downplay terrorist activities. Taking a swipe at Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, he said, “Someone like Gumi who is saying all sorts of things should be considered as part of the rascals out there, because for him to say it could lead to the division of Nigeria is just treason, and it should not be entertained.”

Emphasising Nigeria’s diversity, Dr. Pogu rejected any justification for violence based on religion or ethnicity. “This country is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, and we cannot tolerate people coming into the country in the name of whatever it is to be killing others,” he said.

He urged authorities to intensify the campaign across the country. “We urge that the strike be carried out in all parts of Nigeria and in locations where the terrorists reside, which they already know,” he added.

Dr. Pogu, however, cautioned that terrorists may adapt to the new strategy by dispersing into smaller units. “With this development, they are likely going to be changing tactics. They may disperse and stay in smaller cells so that they will not be traced and taken out,” he warned.

To address this, he called for a combination of military and intelligence strategies. “I therefore suggest that this strategy be followed by other strategies to take them out,” he said.

He also insisted that those financing terrorism must be held accountable. “Most importantly, the sponsors who are known should also be taken out.”

Dr. Pogu expressed optimism that the airstrikes could mark a turning point for the country, saying, “We need peace in Nigeria, and we hope that this is the beginning of the end of the terrorists.”

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