INSECURITY: Nigeria’s Military Should Be Strengthened, Not Replaced by Direct U.S. Intervention — CAN Chairman.

By Jako Keke, December 28, 2025.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s military capacity rather than rely on direct military intervention from the United States.

Dr. Awoshiri made the call in an interview with journalists shortly after an interdenominational combined church service held to mark the Christmas celebration at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Dorowa, in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

According to the CAN chairman, Nigeria possesses well-trained and capable security personnel who are adequately equipped to confront security challenges facing the country if given the necessary political will and logistical support.

He recalled the historic role played by the Nigerian military in peacekeeping missions across Africa, citing operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others, as clear evidence of the country’s military strength and professionalism.

“Nigeria has the capacity to defend herself. Our security forces are strong enough to confront any hostile aggression. They are well trained,” he said. “What is required is the will on the part of the government to decisively confront these challenges. We do not need the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to come to Nigeria to fight our battles. Even if he comes, how long will he stay? Eventually, he will leave us with our problems.”

Dr. Awoshiri described Nigeria’s security challenges as internal issues that must be addressed by Nigerians themselves, stressing that foreign intervention cannot offer a lasting solution.

“Our soldiers and armed forces are well trained. We saw their gallantry in ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and even in Congo. I grew up hearing firsthand accounts of their bravery; my father was in the Army and shared stories of their courage and professionalism,” he added.

The cleric further expressed confidence that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would perform optimally if adequately empowered and provided with modern equipment and ammunition.

He emphasized that what Nigeria needs from the United States and other allies is support rather than direct combat involvement. “What we need from President Donald Trump is support for our government to confront the situation. He cannot sit in America and say he will send soldiers here. Do they know our terrain, our mountains, forests, and geography? No,” he said.

Dr. Awoshiri noted that Nigeria has competent men and women across all security outfits, including the Army, Police, Civil Defence, Air Force, Navy, and even local vigilante groups, who understand the terrain and are capable of confronting terrorists and criminals in forests and remote areas.

Lamenting the rising cases of killings and criminal activities across the country, the CAN chairman said the situation has become overwhelming for many Nigerians, urging the government to rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

He also called on Nigerians to continually pray for leaders at all levels, asking God to grant them wisdom, strength, zeal, and the ability to faithfully deliver on the mandate entrusted to them by the people.