The Progressive Students Movement a reputable Pan African Students body has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to reconsider any plan of launching a military action in Nigeria, urging him instead to offer visa-free entry to Nigerian Christians who feel unsafe in the country.
In a statement on Friday, the National President of PSM said the United States should support Nigeria by providing digital security systems and sophisticated weapons to help the military track and eliminate terrorists and bandits.
The group advised religious leaders to speak strongly against the idea of Nigeria being used as a “testing ground for world powers,” adding that national unity and resilience were needed to overcome insecurity.
“We are passionately appealing to President Trump to reconsider his stance of a military action in Nigeria.
“Rather, he should consider declaring the United States visa-free to Nigerian Christians who feel unsecured”,the statement read.
The group also called on the Federal Government to suspend its rehabilitation programme for “repentant” Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
According to PSM, many Nigerians doubt the sincerity of ex-militants going through the deradicalisation process, warning that some may return to terror groups if their personal expectations are not met.
“Over 120,000 terrorists have reportedly surrendered, and thousands have been killed, yet insurgency persists.
“The government must stop prioritising perpetrators over survivors,”he said .
PSM further warned against negotiating with bandits, insisting that such actions embolden violent groups and discourage the morale of soldiers at the frontline.
The organisation maintained that both Christians and Muslims remain victims of terrorism in Nigeria and that the conflict must not be framed as a religious war.
“We appreciate the intentions of the United States to help combat terrorism. However, terrorism affects everyone regardless of faith. We are appealing for world peace and not war,” it added.
