In the wake of a joint security operation between Nigerian and US forces against terrorist targets in Sokoto State, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has issued a strong reassurance to the international community, declaring that Nigeria is “not at war.”
The statement, aimed squarely at investors and multilateral partners, seeks to prevent any market instability following the Christmas Day airstrikes, which were confirmed by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to have targeted Islamic State (ISIS) elements.
In a personally signed message titled “Statement on Recent Security Operations and Market Implications,” Edun emphasised that the operation was a precise, intelligence-led action against terrorism, not an act of war.
“What Nigeria is decisively confronting—alongside trusted international partners—is terrorism. This distinction is important, and it is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions,” Edun stated.
He argued that such security actions “strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities, and reinforce the conditions required for sustainable growth,” insisting that “security and economic stability are inseparable.”
The Minister used the opportunity to underscore the administration’s economic achievements, pointing to a 3.98% GDP growth in Q3 2025 and a seventh consecutive drop in inflation to below 15%. He cited recent credit rating upgrades from major agencies as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory.
“As markets reopen… investors can be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven, and committed to stability,” Edun asserted, framing the government’s security posture as inherently “pro-growth and pro-investment.”
Mixed Reactions and Broader Context
The reassurance comes amid a spectrum of reactions to the US military involvement:
Presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim labeled the US strikes a “damning indictment” of the ruling APC’s security failures, highlighting a perceived governance deficit that has allowed extremist groups to gain ground.
Expert Caution:
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that isolated strikes are unlikely to end Nigeria’s terrorism crisis, calling for a more sustained campaign and addressing root causes like the farmer-herder crisis.
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Cautious Welcome:
The Youth Party welcomed the international support against ISIS but urged extreme caution against framing the complex security situation in religious terms, which could deepen national divisions.
· On the Ground: The statement followed a deadly bomb explosion in Zamfara State that killed seven, underscoring the persistent threat. Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during a visit to troops, emphasized the need for enhanced inter-agency collaboration to defeat terrorists.
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