Afenifere warns US strike proposals risk civilian lives and warn that intelligence led action, diplomacy and community engagement are the safer path
In a statement issued in Ibadan by National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi, the group argued that conventional war tactics would be ill suited to confronting decentralised militant networks.
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The statement said that in a conventional war the enemy can be identified by location and other signifiers, but Nigeria’s insurgency is dispersed and needs precise intelligence rather than broad bombardment.
The organisation pointed to recent reporting that United States Africa Command has drawn up multiple options for intervention in northern Nigeria, ranging from intelligence sharing to direct air strikes.
Afenifere described reports of a heavy option involving fighter jets or long range bombers as particularly alarming and cautioned that such measures risk heavy collateral damage.
Ajayi said the correct path is one rooted in sovereignty, mutual strategic cooperation and careful diplomatic engagement.
He stressed that protecting law abiding citizens of all faiths remains crucial, and that those attracted to a strike first approach should consider that bombs rarely discriminate between guilty and innocent.
The statement called for boosted intelligence gathering, stronger community elder involvement and concerted efforts to hold sponsors of violence to account.
Afenifere argued that a targeted approach would better protect vulnerable communities and avoid the devastating unintended consequences of large scale military campaigns.
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The organisation concluded by urging policymakers to choose tactics that combine diligence, sincerity and strategic precision, reminding all parties that the primary goal must be to protect lives and restore lasting peace.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
