The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States in launching airstrikes against terrorist targets, saying it would be unreasonable for any government to turn down such support.
Keyamo said no sensible administration would reject assistance aimed at tackling terrorism, stressing that security and the safety of citizens must come first.
The minister made this known in a post on X while responding to criticisms over the Federal Government’s decision to work with the United States to carry out air operations against terrorists in parts of the country.
His remarks followed public debates surrounding the airstrikes reportedly carried out on Christmas Day in parts of Sokoto State.
Keyamo urged Nigerians to pay more attention to efforts being made to rid the country, particularly the northern region, of terrorist activities rather than focusing on sovereignty concerns.
“When your house is on fire, it would be stupid to prevent anyone who has fire extinguishers to come into your house and put out the fire,” the minister said.
He added that it would be unwise for anyone to prioritise privacy when lives and families were under imminent threat.