A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Alhaji Yisa Ismaila Adebayo, popularly known as Omo-Ade, has criticised the recent remarks credited to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding possible United States intervention in Nigeria’s security crisis, describing the statement as “careless, reckless, and dangerous.”
The controversy emerged after the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reportedly welcomed the idea of the United States Government assisting Nigeria in combating killings and insecurity. Speaking at the opening of CAN’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting held in Jos on Tuesday, Archbishop Okoh said Nigeria’s persistent insecurity had continued to attract global concern and lamented that the country was “spotlighted for negative reasons.”
According to the CAN President, if international attention is what would motivate Nigerian authorities to take decisive steps toward protecting lives and restoring peace, then such attention was welcome. He reiterated CAN’s position that Christians in Nigeria were facing targeted attacks, describing the situation as “Christian genocide.” Okoh further urged Christian leaders nationwide to remain steadfast, prayerful, and hopeful despite the ongoing challenges.
However, Alhaji Yisa Ismaila Adebayo faulted CAN’s stance, warning that inviting foreign military intervention into Nigeria is fraught with grave implications. He noted that recent U.S. military engagements in other countries have resulted in devastating consequences, including widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties.
Omo-Ade argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty must be protected at all costs, and that security issues should be addressed internally through strengthened institutions, improved intelligence, and coordinated national efforts—not through appeals to foreign powers.
He emphasised that while insecurity is a painful national reality, leaders of religious bodies must exercise caution in their public statements to avoid escalating tensions or encouraging external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“Our religious leaders must be careful. Calling for the involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s internal security matters is not only reckless and careless, it is dangerous,” Omo-Ade said. “We have seen what foreign interventions have done in Palestine and other countries—millions displaced, thousands killed, and entire communities wiped out. We must not invite such calamity into our homeland.”
He urged CAN to reconsider its position and instead collaborate with government agencies, security operatives, and community stakeholders to seek sustainable, locally-driven solutions to insecurity.
As the debate continues to stir reactions across the country, many Nigerians are closely watching how both religious and political leaders navigate the sensitive issue of foreign involvement in domestic security matters.
