The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended United States President Donald John Trump for authorising airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) elements operating in parts of Nigeria, describing the action as a decisive response to years of unchecked terrorist violence. The strikes targeted camps and logistics hubs linked to ISIS’s West Africa and Sahel networks in north-west Nigeria.
HURIWA noted that extremist groups including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani terror militias have operated with impunity for over a decade, claiming well over 60,000 lives, displacing, abducting, or maiming countless others. “The action demonstrated political will and military clarity long lacking in the global response to terrorism in Nigeria,” said Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA.
The association urged the US and allies to sustain military pressure on these groups, cautioning that operations must be precise to avoid civilian casualties. HURIWA also called on the Nigerian government to adopt decisive security measures, including stronger intelligence coordination and prosecution of terror financiers.
Additionally, HURIWA condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for perceived sympathy towards armed groups, demanding the DSS investigate his statements and activities, warning that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism requires unity and zero tolerance for extremism.
