Soyinka Condemns Donald Trump Over Threat of U.S. Military Intervention in Nigeria
Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has condemned comments credited to U.S. President Donald Trump, in which the American leader threatened to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria. The literary icon described the statement as reckless, uninformed, and insensitive to the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges. Soyinka spoke in Makurdi on Thursday after a meeting with Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, where he addressed journalists on national issues. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The playwright faulted the U.S. president’s remarks, insisting that no world leader should make such sweeping declarations about invading another sovereign nation without a thorough understanding of the situation on ground. He argued that the tone of Trump’s threat suggested a predetermined position, rather than one informed by real engagement with Nigeria’s security realities.
According to him, threats of foreign military intervention should never be issued casually or impulsively, especially in a nation grappling with deeply layered conflicts affecting several regions. Soyinka said Nigeria’s challenges require coordinated, intelligent, and locally grounded responses—approaches that cannot be replaced by external aggression.
“You don’t just open your mouth and say, ‘I’m coming to help you whether you like it or not,’” he said. “With poor, almost non-existent analysis, you say you are coming with ‘guns blazing’. That is not how global diplomacy or security cooperation should work.”
Soyinka stressed that while Nigeria’s internal issues demand urgent action, the rights and dignity of citizens must remain central to efforts aimed at restoring peace. He maintained that even in moments of crisis, the government and citizens deserve respect from foreign leaders commenting on the country’s affairs.
“The government must protect its citizens, but at least respect those who are genuinely working to find solutions to this unacceptable situation,” he said.
The renowned writer also criticized the dismissive tone used in the reported comments, noting that no country should be treated as though it is incapable of addressing its own problems. He insisted that external assistance, when necessary, must be sought through collaboration rather than threats.
“Because I’m ill or have difficulties does not mean I should accept aid from a mad man,” Soyinka said. “You cannot just open your mouth and say you’re coming to help someone with violence, without any real analysis of where the problem started.”
His remarks have since gained traction across social media, with many Nigerians supporting his position and condemning any suggestion of foreign military intervention in the country. Some commentators argued that while Nigeria faces serious security concerns, the sovereignty of the nation must not be undermined. Others praised Soyinka for calling out what they described as a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric.
Security analysts also weighed in, noting that foreign military deployment often escalates conflicts rather than resolves them, especially in regions with complex cultural, political, and communal dynamics. They argue that international assistance should focus on intelligence sharing, economic support, and strengthening local institutions, rather than direct armed involvement.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has not issued a formal response to Soyinka’s comments or the reported statement by the U.S. president. Government officials have recently reiterated their commitment to addressing insecurity, particularly in states affected by banditry, terrorism, and communal violence.
Soyinka, who has long been vocal about governance and national cohesion, reiterated the need for Nigeria to build stronger and more responsive structures for protecting citizens. He said the nation must continue seeking home-grown solutions, supported by credible partnerships—not high-handed threats.
His comments come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly concerned about safety in rural and urban communities, with calls for federal and state governments to scale up coordinated security action.
The video of Soyinka’s remarks continues to circulate widely as citizens debate the implications of Trump’s controversial position and Nigeria’s right to safeguard its territorial integrity.
“Because I’m ill or have difficulties does not mean I should accept aid from a m@d man. You cannot just open your mouth and say you’re coming to help someone with viølence, without any real analysis of where the problem started.”
—Wole Soyinka knocks President Donald Trump over… pic.twitter.com/rDG0MDhrph
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 21, 2025