Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to accept the help of the United States of America in the fight against terrorism contributed to the closer watch of the country, diplomatic sources have revealed.
Daily Sun gathered that the consideration to designate Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States, started under the immediate past federal government following perception that Nigeria was not serious about fighting terrorists.
Source revealed during the Buhari administration, the United States wanted to assist Nigeria in curbing the menace of terrorists and discussed with the country’s intelligence agency and officials of the Nigerian Mission in Washington, United States, but was rebuffed.
It was gathered that former President Buhari had asked government officials who hinted at the US intention to assist if anybody told them Nigeria needed help.
Sources revealed that when the US saw the previous government’s body language, it interpreted it to mean that Nigeria was not serious at ending terrorism and therefore Washington beamed a searchlight on the country.
“They have monitored and concluded that there is no seriousness on our part. The entire waters of Nigeria and borders were monitored by the United States intelligence, including movements of terrorists,” the diplomatic source said.
It was gathered that after Buhari left office, the US was expecting more proactive security measures and improvement in the fight against terrorism, but discovered that the country was becoming helpless and therefore decided to act.
The source said that President Donald Trump is acting on intelligence report, adding that if the US said it would go after the terrorists it should be taken seriously.
He recalled that the US special force once swooped on Nigerian bushes and rescued an American held hostage by terrorists, saying that this shows how much they know about security situation in the country.
“The US forces came in and rescued a kidnapped American and left with him unhurt. This shows how strong their intelligence is and how swift they could act,” he said.
He disclosed that the United States is already looking at Nigeria as a pariah state where life and property do not matter, aslkibf: “what do you expect?”
Daily Sun source also revealed that the major fear is that if Trump carries out his treat, it could lead for further instability in Nigeria.
“It will not be funny because that will be part two colonisation. Libya has not recovered from such action. What is the yardstick for them to come here?” he further queried.
He advised the Federal Government to take measures to reduce terrorism in the country, in order to get the US off it back.
Meanwhile, four days after Trump designated Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern,” the Federal Government is making effort to interface with the United States government.
A top source within diplomatic cycle said that the absence of ambassadors for more than two years is part of why interraction is slow.
Credit: The Sun