The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as poor and inverted communication following a reported United States strike on terrorist assets linked to Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said Nigerians first learned of the American operation through verified social media accounts of former US President Donald Trump and other American officials, long before Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on the matter.
The PDP noted that the ministry’s response came several hours later and only offered what it described as a vague and passive confirmation of Nigeria’s awareness and cooperation in the operation.
While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating serious crimes such as terrorism, the opposition party expressed concern that foreign governments appeared to be announcing sensitive security operations within Nigeria ahead of the country’s own authorities.
According to the PDP, this communication approach does not serve the interests of either the Federal Government or Nigerians, especially in light of past reports alleging that US military forces had previously entered and conducted operations in Nigeria without the prior knowledge or approval of the government.
The party argued that the Federal Government should have been the first to brief Nigerians on the development in order to properly inform and reassure the public, rather than waiting to react to information already circulating widely.
“The delay raises questions as to whether the government was fully prepared or taken unawares like the rest of the citizens,” the statement said.
The PDP further urged the Federal Government to ensure that any defence agreement with the United States prioritises joint operations that promote intelligence sharing and capacity building for Nigerian forces.
It warned against relying on what it termed fully externally led “precision attacks,” stressing that sustainable solutions to insecurity must strengthen Nigeria’s own security architecture.
