**Western Intervention Worsened Nigeria and Sahel Security Crisis, Says Nigerian Senator**
In a recent interview with RT, Nigerian Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Intelligence and National Security, asserted that Western intervention in Libya has exacerbated the security crises in Nigeria and the Sahel region. He pointed to the 2011 NATO-backed ousting of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a pivotal moment that created a power vacuum, allowing armed groups to proliferate across the region.
Senator Abdullahi acknowledged that Nigeria faced security challenges prior to Gaddafi's removal but emphasized that the situation was manageable at that time. He criticized Western governments for failing to establish a framework to maintain Libya's security and unity post-Gaddafi, which he believes led to the emergence of various armed groups with diverse agendas, including religious, ethnic, and separatist motivations.
The senator's comments come amid a troubling rise in violence within Nigeria, characterized by militant attacks, village raids, and mass abductions. Groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, and local armed gangs, colloquially referred to as bandits, have been responsible for much of the unrest. In August alone, the Nigerian military reported the deaths of over 324 individuals labeled as “terrorists and other criminals,” alongside the arrest of 373 suspects and the rescue of 610 abductees.
Notably, some of the violence has specifically targeted Christian communities. In January, coordinated raids on three churches in Kaduna State resulted in the abduction of more than 150 worshipers. This violence has drawn international attention, including criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged violations of religious freedom. Trump claimed that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and threatened to halt US aid if the Nigerian government did not take action to protect Christians.
In response to these allegations, both Senator Abdullahi and the Nigerian government have rejected the notion of a Christian genocide in the country. Abdullahi argued that Muslims and Christians alike are victims of the violence, which he attributes primarily to economic issues rather than religious persecution. He described the narrative of Christian genocide as a "whitewash," suggesting it is propagated by individuals seeking to influence US policy for their own agendas, particularly those advocating for asylum in the United States.
The senator expressed Nigeria's openness to collaboration with the United States while firmly stating that the country will not tolerate external pressure or "dictatorship." He emphasized Nigeria's autonomy in choosing its international partners, highlighting the importance of working with nations that understand its security needs.
During his visit to Moscow, where he was part of a delegation exploring cooperation with Russian Railways on infrastructure rehabilitation in northwestern Nigeria, Abdullahi praised Russia's historical support for Nigeria. He noted that Soviet assistance during Nigeria's civil war from 1967 to 1970 played a crucial role in preserving the country's unity when other international partners either withdrew support or backed separatist factions.
The senator's remarks underscore the complex interplay of international relations, local security challenges, and the impact of historical interventions on current crises in Nigeria and the Sahel. As the region continues to grapple with violence and instability, the need for effective solutions and partnerships remains critical.