Date: December 26, 2025
SUNTV Global Channel
The Arewa Take-It-Back (ATIB) Movement has warned the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following the reported U.S. military strikes against ISIS-linked terrorists in Northwest Nigeria.
ATIB Coordinator Nazif Bashi, in a Friday statement, acknowledged the urgency of tackling terrorism but stressed that foreign interventions must protect civilians and support long-term stability—not undermine Nigeria’s autonomy.
On Christmas Day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced “numerous precise strikes” targeting extremists he claimed were responsible for the mass killings of Christians in northern Nigeria, warning that previous threats had gone unheeded. The Nigerian government later confirmed that the strikes occurred in the region.
ATIB commended the dismantling of terrorist networks terrorising both Christian and Muslim communities but insisted that foreign operations be coordinated with Nigerian authorities to avoid civilian casualties and sovereignty breaches.
“Military action alone is not enough,” the group said. “Nigeria must strengthen local security, intelligence, and socio-economic resilience to truly defeat terrorism.”
The movement concluded by affirming its stance: “Arewa TIB stands firmly against terrorism in all its forms. Any measures taken must protect lives, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, and ensure lasting peace for our communities.”
