The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has cautioned against any form of foreign military intervention in Nigeria under the guise of combating terrorism, describing such moves as modern-day “gunboat diplomacy” that could undermine the nation’s sovereignty and stability.
Ajulo, who made the remarks in a persuasive reflection titled “Navigating Power Dynamics: The Significance of International Cooperation to Trump’s Gunboat Diplomacy in Nigeria,” warned that recent signals from the United States suggesting possible military involvement in Nigeria raise deep concerns about respect for international law and the principle of non-intervention.
He noted that the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” during the Trump administration, coupled with rhetoric hinting at swift and forceful action, reflected a dangerous shift toward coercive foreign policy reminiscent of historical gunboat diplomacy. According to him, this approach runs contrary to Articles 2(4) and 51 of the United Nations Charter, which prohibit the use of force except in self-defence and uphold the sovereignty of all member states.
Citing landmark cases such as Nicaragua v. United States (1986) and Democratic Republic of Congo v. Uganda (2005) before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ajulo argued that international law firmly upholds the principle of non-intervention, warning that any external use of force against Nigeria could constitute a violation of global legal norms. He stressed that similar historical acts of gunboat diplomacy, such as Britain’s blockade of Venezuela in 1902 and the U.S. expedition to Japan in the 1850s, left lasting political and economic scars on the affected nations.
“The implications of a militarised approach are profound and multifaceted,” Ajulo stated. “While such interventions may be framed as efforts to combat terrorism or defend religious freedom, history shows they often escalate tensions, provoke retaliation, and fuel humanitarian crises.”
He emphasised that military involvement in Nigeria could deepen instability, trigger nationalist backlash, and provide extremist groups with new recruitment narratives. Ajulo warned that foreign troops on Nigerian soil could weaken governance structures, foster corruption, and divert vital resources from essential social and economic development programmes.
Instead, the Ondo Attorney General advocated for international cooperation and multilateral collaboration as a more sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. He called for joint initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, political instability, and underdevelopment, while empowering local institutions to build resilience from within.
According to him, engaging regional organisations such as ECOWAS and promoting economic partnerships would strengthen regional security frameworks, create jobs, and reduce the allure of extremist ideologies. He added that cooperative approaches build trust and legitimacy because they are less intrusive and more aligned with the aspirations of local communities.
Ajulo urged the United States and the international community to embrace diplomacy and developmental support over militarisation. “Let us not underestimate the transformative power of cooperation,” he said. “By working together, the United States and Nigeria can forge sustainable solutions that promote peace, prosperity, and human rights across the region.”
Dr. Ajulo, who also serves as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA), concluded by reaffirming that genuine international cooperation rooted in respect for sovereignty, dialogue, and shared responsibility remains the most viable path to lasting peace and progress in Nigeria.