Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that bandits and terrorists may be planning heavy reprisal attacks in response to recent U.S. military airstrikes in Sokoto State. Ayodele expressed concern that the strikes, intended to target extremist elements, could trigger an escalation in violent reprisals rather than weaken criminal networks.
In a statement released through his media aide, Ayodele cast doubt on the effectiveness of the foreign military action, suggesting that the United States “isn’t helping Nigeria” and that the operation might instead serve other strategic agendas. He argued that the strikes exposed what he views as the inability of the Nigerian government to independently tackle insecurity and warned that radicalised groups will react aggressively to any perceived external interference.
Ayodele urged the Nigerian military to redouble its own strategic planning and coordination to prevent a backlash and avert a worsening of the security situation. His comments reflect growing public debate about the role of foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s internal security challenges, especially as extremist groups adapt and shift tactics.
