MURIC Demands Clarification on Presence of US Troops in Nigeria, Raises Sovereignty, Safety Concerns
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to provide urgent clarification over the reported presence of United States troops in Nigeria, warning that the development raises serious questions about national sovereignty, transparency, and the safety of Muslim leaders.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed concern over what it described as secrecy surrounding the deployment, despite confirmations by the US military and Nigerian authorities that American forces are already on ground in the country.
While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, the group argued that the physical presence of foreign troops was unnecessary and potentially divisive. It questioned the stated objective of the deployment, particularly reports suggesting a focus on the protection of Nigerian Christians, which MURIC described as selective and discriminatory.
MURIC maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges affect citizens of all faiths and rejected claims of a “Christian genocide,” insisting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of terrorism, insecurity, and religious persecution. The organisation also highlighted alleged long-standing cases of persecution of Muslims in parts of Southern Nigeria, warning that selective international intervention could worsen religious tensions.
The group further cautioned against any actions that could lead to harassment, intimidation, or targeting of Muslim leaders, demanding assurances that there would be no clampdown on Muslim religious activities, enforced disappearances, or extrajudicial actions linked to the presence of foreign troops.
Beyond religious concerns, MURIC faulted the Nigerian government for what it described as a lack of transparency, questioning whether the National Assembly was consulted, whether constitutional procedures were followed, and who is funding the deployment and logistics of the US forces.
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It also criticised what it termed the silence of civil society organisations, labour unions, and student bodies on the issue, warning that failure to interrogate the deployment could have broader implications for national unity and democratic accountability.
MURIC concluded by urging Nigerians to demand clear answers from authorities, particularly on the size, mandate, duration, and legal basis of the US military presence, insisting that any security cooperation must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect all citizens without religious or ethnic bias.
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