Thirteen Reasons Why Nigerians Must Not Support Any Armed Invasion of Niger Republic

1. It may seem that an armed invasion of Niger Republic by ECOWAS is just a war between Nigeria and Niger due to our proximity. However, we must consider the consequences of such an action on our own country.

2. If a war were to occur, Russia and Wagner may support Niger Republic, leaving Nigeria to use its own resources to finance the operation. Currently, Nigeria contributes 70 percent of the budget for ECOWAS. It is unlikely that the US Congress would approve unlimited arm supplies for ECOWAS to wage war against another country.

3. The states bordering Niger Republic, such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, and Yobe, would be directly affected by the war. This would result in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.

4. If there were no military actions to dislodge military coups in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, why should we intervene in Niger Republic's situation?

5. It is concerning that the American and French military bases inside Niger Republic refused to stop the coup and are now encouraging Nigeria to go to war. This raises questions about their intentions and the potential risks involved.

6. Niger has been a valuable ally in the fight against terrorist groups, and the country currently hosts over 303 thousand Nigerian refugees. In the event of a war, their safety and well-being would be jeopardized.

7. President Tinubu should not allow himself to be pushed into initiating a war with a neighboring country, only to be left stranded without sufficient support. No West African country has the military capability to start or sustain a war with Niger Republic. If a conflict were to occur, we would solely rely on Nigeria's resources.

8. It is important not to cry more than the bereaved. If the people of Niger Republic are unhappy with military rule, they should fight to remove it themselves. Nigeria has fought its own battles against military rulers, with some of us even going to jail in that struggle. Let them fight their own fight.

9. Saudi Arabia is still entangled in a long-lasting conflict in Yemen, despite spending hundreds of billions of dollars, which we cannot afford. It would not be wise for Nigeria to enter into a similar situation.

10. Stronger nations have not contemplated military action against the military regime in Myanmar. This shows that armed invasion is not always the solution to every political problem.

11. Nigeria is already engaged in a war against terrorism within our own borders. It is crucial that we concentrate our efforts and resources on resolving this internal conflict first.

12. If a war were to break out, forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea may support Niger Republic. This raises concerns about potential attacks on Nigerian territories.

13. President Tinubu should continue to pursue dialogue with military authorities in Niger, rather than opting for war. Diplomatic solutions are always preferable to armed conflict.

In conclusion, it is clear that Nigerians should not support any armed invasion of Niger Republic. The potential consequences, both for Nigeria and the region as a whole, outweigh the perceived benefits. It is crucial that we prioritize peaceful resolutions and dialogue over armed interventions.