Dambazau accuses U.S. of hidden motive in push for military base in Nigeria
Story by Tawheed Yakub Abuja
Former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), has alleged that the United States is pursuing a strategic agenda under the guise of raising concerns about religious persecution in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN) in Abuja, Dambazau said Washington’s warnings over alleged Christian persecution were a “smokescreen” aimed at securing approval for a U.S. military base in the country.
According to him, America’s foreign interventions are primarily driven by its own interests.
“The U.S. only protects its own interests. Nigerians must not be misled by their claims,” he cautioned.
Read also: Nigeria rejects Trump’s ‘baseless’ claims of Christian persecution as US threatens military action
Dambazau argued that Nigeria’s insecurity persists largely due to lack of national unity, stressing that ethnic, religious, and regional divides continue to undermine efforts against terrorism and insurgency.
He rejected Western allegations of targeted attacks against Christians in Nigeria, noting that Muslim dominated regions such as Borno and Yobe have suffered the most from Boko Haram’s brutality.
“The narrative of Christian genocide is propaganda,” he said, urging Nigerians to focus on internal solutions rather than foreign narratives.
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The retired General also called for sweeping reforms in the country’s security architecture to improve coordination among the military, police, intelligence, and civil institutions.
Earlier in his remarks, JFCN President Fred Ohwahwa emphasized the need for Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against insecurity, warning that foreign intervention often comes with “hidden motives.”
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