Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have condemned the reported threat by former United States President, Donald Trump, to deploy American troops to Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, describing the statement as a violation of international law and an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Legal experts said any attempt by a foreign nation to send troops into Nigeria without the consent of the Nigerian government would amount to an invasion and a breach of the United Nations Charter.
According to them, while the protection of human rights is a universal concern, no country has the legal right to unilaterally interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign state.
“Trump’s threat, if carried out, would be illegal under both international and Nigerian law,” said a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and such an act would violate our territorial integrity.”
The SANs urged the Federal Government to formally register its objection through diplomatic channels and to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting all citizens regardless of religion.
They also called on the United Nations and the African Union to caution world leaders against making inflammatory statements capable of undermining global peace and stability.
Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Nigeria’s handling of religious violence, reportedly made the comments during a media interview in which he accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the statement.
