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Nigeria’s Misplaced Priorities: Why Deploying Troops to Benin Republic Instead of the North Underscores a Dangerous Security Blindspot

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4 months ago

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Nigeria’s Misplaced Priorities: Why Deploying Troops to Benin Republic Instead of the North Underscores a Dangerous Security Blindspot
By Ifeanyi Obinali

 

As the dust settles from last weekend’s failed coup in Benin Republic, and the Nigerian Senate’s recent approval of troops deployment to assist the Beninese government, many Nigerians are asking: Was this really the right call — especially given the worsening security disaster back home?
On December 7, 2025, the government of Benin requested military intervention after mutinying soldiers attempted to overthrow their president. Responding swiftly, President Bola Tinubu ordered the mobilization of Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops to help restore constitutional order in the neighboring country. Reports say the intervention succeeded: airstrikes and ground forces helped quash the coup attempt. This indeed is a bold gesture to a neighbor, but at what domestic cost?
In the eyes of many observers including Nigeria’s leaders, this demonstrates solidarity with a neighbor and reaffirms Nigeria’s role as a stabilizer in the region. President Tinubu framed the move as an affirmation of shared democratic values under ECOWAS. But for many Nigerians who face daily threats from kidnappings, banditry and village massacres, the spectacle of foreign intervention feels dangerously disconnected from the urgent reality of life in the country, especially Nigeria’s north.

 

The northern crisis is now more than a security challenge but a humanitarian disaster. Over the last decade, large parts of northern Nigeria especially the northwest and north-central zones have been ravaged by violence: kidnappings, bandit raids, mass abductions of schoolchildren, attacks on villages and farms, and deadly raids on houses of worship.

 

Today, killings, kidnappings, and violent raids by so-called bandit gangs” are everyday realities of citizens in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger. It is a shame and sad to note that 15 years after Chibok, we are still dealing with the same challenges that led to school students in Kebbi and Niger facing the same inhumane situation that they will never recover from. The worst part remains that the posture of the government still does not prove its readiness to deal with this issue decisively. How can someone order the removal of military officers and security men protecting the school in Kebbi mere hours before the bandits attacked, killed the principal and kidnapped the students, yet Nigerians still do not officially know the name of that specific individual who gave the order of removal, and worst still that person is not in custody yet – a stark manifestation of how entrenched in the system the insecurity has become, especially because it’s unusual for military movements to occur without clear authorization, especially in high-risk areas.

 

These attacks do more than just endanger lives: they destroy communities, displace families, force farmers off their land, and worsen poverty and hunger, a reality already highlighted in recent food-insecurity projections.

 

 

As with every sovereign nation, the government’s number one responsibility is to ensure security and the protection of the lives of every citizen. When the government commits troops abroad, especially in a reactive operation, it sends a message about what it sees as its priorities. Deploying personnel to Benin may shore up regional influence, but it comes at a cost: the very real and growing insecurity at home and the millions of naira that could have been invested in the fight against insecurity.
Given the scale of terror, banditry, and kidnapping in the north, diverting troops and military assets to another country is a miscalculation. Just the way our troops were guns-blazing to Cotonou, they could have done the same in response to the insecurity in the north, at a time when many citizens believed they most needed protection.
What message does this send to a family in, say, Katsina or Zamfara, whose village was raided last week, whose children were snatched, whose farm is burning when military jets are flying to foreign capitals instead of guarding their schools or farmland?

 

Beyond optics, our government’s focus should be internal, because the human cost of insecurity in the country is huge and rapidly rising. The numbers of attacks, abductions, and killings in the north have soared over the last decade. For thousands of families, insecurity is no longer abstract, but a daily terror. Citizens expect their government to guard their safety, safeguard their children’s education, and protect their land. When security appears selectively deployed abroad while domestic threats rage, public trust erodes.

 

There is no doubt that regional instability threatens all West African nations, and that solidarity among neighbors is sometimes necessary. But for a country still grappling with rampant kidnappings, banditry, and deadly attacks across its own territory inside which lives, livelihoods, and futures hang in the balance, stability at home must come first.

 

Nigerians cannot continue to remain vulnerable, their lands insecure, and their families unprotected, while foreign capitals enjoy the protection of Nigerian jets and troops. The government must before any foreign adventures, deploy the full force of its security apparatus to where it is most needed: at home in the Northeast, Northwest and North Central in particular, and Nigeria in general.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

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5 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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23 hours ago

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April 27, 2026

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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1 day ago

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April 27, 2026

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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