U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has issued a strong warning against any unilateral military intervention in Nigeria, describing such action as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of international law. Her remarks follow recent heated discussions in U.S. political circles regarding Nigeria’s security situation and alleged threats of foreign military involvement.
Speaking during a congressional session on U.S.-Africa policy, Jacobs stressed that Congress has not authorised the use of military force in Nigeria, making any deployment of troops or armed intervention legally impossible without legislative approval. She noted that the United States must operate strictly within constitutional boundaries and respect the sovereignty of partner nations.
“Any unilateral military action in Nigeria would be illegal. Congress has not authorised the use of force, and any action without Nigeria’s consent violates international law,” she stated.
Jacobs criticised what she called reckless and oversimplified rhetoric portraying Nigeria’s complex insecurity challenges as a strictly religious conflict. She emphasised that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country.
The lawmaker warned that inflammatory statements, especially from high-level political figures, risk worsening religious tensions within Nigeria and damaging long-term diplomatic relations.
Instead of threats, she urged the U.S. government to strengthen diplomatic engagement, humanitarian support, capacity-building, and security partnerships that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Jacobs, alongside U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, has also criticised proposals to cut aid to Nigeria, noting that such actions would harm vulnerable communities and destabilise counter-terrorism efforts.
Her comments signal growing concern within Congress regarding the framing of Nigeria’s crisis and the potential consequences of aggressive foreign policy approaches.
