Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: US Military

  • Former Attorney General Aondoakaa Demands US Air Strikes on Benue Bandits

    Former Attorney General Aondoakaa Demands US Air Strikes on Benue Bandits

    According to The Punch, former Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, has made a controversial call for the Nigerian government to invite US military air strikes against bandits terrorizing Benue State. Aondoakaa argued that the local security apparatus has been overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gangs and that international intervention is now required to prevent a total collapse of order in the Middle Belt.

    The senior lawyer suggested that the US could deploy precision drones similar to those used in counter-terrorism operations elsewhere. His remarks have sparked a fierce debate over national sovereignty and the effectiveness of current military strategies. Critics argue that foreign intervention could complicate the local conflict, while supporters believe it is a necessary ‘shock therapy’ for the escalating violence.

    Validation of these remarks appeared in Daily Post and Leadership. Daily Post reported that ‘Aondoakaa’s proposal has divided the legal and security community,’ while Leadership quoted a security analyst who warned: ‘Inviting foreign strikes on your own soil is a dangerous precedent that rarely ends well.’

    Echotitbits take: This is a desperate call that reflects the level of frustration in Benue State. While highly unlikely to happen—as the US rarely intervenes in internal banditry—it puts immense pressure on the Nigerian Air Force to show more ‘precision’ in their own operations. Watch for a defensive statement from the Defence Headquarters in response to Aondoakaa.
    Source: The Punch  – https://punchng.com/ex-agf-aondoakaa-calls-for-us-air-strikes-in-benue/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.

    According to a statement by AfriCom, both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia. Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

    The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. We take significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations while we continue to disrupt and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab terrorist network.

    “This action clearly demonstrates our continuing commitment to Somalia and our regional partners,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations for U.S. Africa Command. “We retain the means and the will to strike the al-Shabaab terrorist network when necessary to protect the region and ultimately, our own nation.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional security interests.

    “Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia’s future and U.S. interests, and we will continue to disrupt their efforts to terrorize innocents,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Our strikes help keep these terrorists off balance to help our partners then address deeper problems such as governance and development.”

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region and to work with international and African partners to achieve long-term security goals in Somalia for the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

    See video of the mission strike posted at: https://go.usa.gov/xA9ZV

  • U.S-Backed Somalia Government truck Al-Shabaab Compound

    U.S-Backed Somalia Government truck Al-Shabaab Compound

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted one (1) airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, Dec. 24.

    In a statement, AfriCom confirmed the initial assessment concluded the strike damaged the compound and several al-Shabaab fighters fled, thwarting nefarious activity.

    The command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. Efforts to disrupt enemy operations, as well as monitor and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab network continue.

    “U.S. Africa Command continues to maintain a sharp focus on East African threats,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence. “Al-Shabaab seeks to not only destroy governance and security in Somalia, but target innocent civilians in Kenya and elsewhere. We will continue to monitor and maintain pressure to the network.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Security is one critical stabilizing pillar alongside governance and economic opportunity.

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region.

    U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with international and African partners to ensure long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.