The Great Pivot. When Nigeria looked EAST.
In 2015 Nigeria turned to Russia and Belarus following what Abuja called "snubish and nonchalant attitude of the U.S and UK towards Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram. For perspective on the reason behind
In 2015 Nigeria turned to Russia and Belarus following what Abuja called "snubish and nonchalant attitude of the U.S and UK towards Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram. For perspective on the reason behind
The following events took place between 2014 and 2015 month period.
1. The U.S blocks a Nigeria-Israeli deal for the sale of AH-1 Viper attack helicopters to Nigeria.
2. Nigeria accuses the United States of not providing sufficient support for its fight against Boko Haram.
1. The U.S blocks a Nigeria-Israeli deal for the sale of AH-1 Viper attack helicopters to Nigeria.
2. Nigeria accuses the United States of not providing sufficient support for its fight against Boko Haram.
3. President Goodluck Jonathan terminates a training program that involves the U.S training a Nigerian army battalion.
700 soldiers of the Armed Forces Special Force (AFSF) are sent to Belarus and Russia for 4 months of training as snipers, chosen after a rigorous screening.
700 soldiers of the Armed Forces Special Force (AFSF) are sent to Belarus and Russia for 4 months of training as snipers, chosen after a rigorous screening.
Selected from the Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, and State Security Service (SSS), the AFSF was the defination of badass.
2. President Obama freezes the sale of Super Tucanos to Nigeria over alleged human rights abuses.
4. President Obama announces the U.S will no longer buy crude from Nigeria.
5. The CIA predicts the 2015 General Elections will be marred with so much violence, it could be the fuse that inevitably triggers a war that fulfils the CIA prophesy of a Nigeria break up by 2015.
A week to the general elections in 2015, the newly Belarusian and Russian trained AFSF were injected into the theatre to nip in the bud on the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.
5. On the eve of the General Election, three VS Osprey tilt rotor aircrafts lands in Ghana with 300 Marines on board. Their job?,to move into Nigeria and evacuate westerners when the shooting starts.
Needless to say the animosity between both countries was at an all time low.
Needless to say the animosity between both countries was at an all time low.
Not since the 1993-1998 dictatorship of Sani Abacha, when the U.S imposed sanctions have relations with the U.S been this low.
Long story short,while pundits waited expectantly for the violence, the election turned out to be the freeest election in Nigeria's history.
Long story short,while pundits waited expectantly for the violence, the election turned out to be the freeest election in Nigeria's history.
It marked the first peaceful transfer of power from an incumbent president in Nigeria's history.
Boko Haram fighters were routed out of their stronghold and enclave
Boko Haram fighters were routed out of their stronghold and enclave
The Boko Haram fighters were routed out of their strongholds and safe haven. It what is perhaps the funniest episode in the history of warfare, Boko Haram spiritualist (Amir) embarked on a 40 day fasting seeking divine intervention to stop the AFSF.
The AFSF were being described by the terrorists as "haya n soja", meaning hired mercenaries. Boko Haram fighters were so convinced that these well kitted coordinated troops can only be made possible through the help of foreign mercenaries.
The AFSF were brutal and too hot to
The AFSF were brutal and too hot to
handle for Boko haram. The success of the AFSF can be attributed to the selection process. Participants were chosen basically on merit by the Belarusian scouts. The selection was devoid of favoritism and imposition as the qualified officers were sound in body, spirit, and soul.
Perhaps the most most impactful contributor was welfare, and by extension MORALE. There is nothing as lethal as a motivated Nigerian soldier.
At the point of departure to Belarus, everyone was paid allowances of over $7,000. This aspect is germane to sustain the commitment
At the point of departure to Belarus, everyone was paid allowances of over $7,000. This aspect is germane to sustain the commitment
and morale of troops at the front. In a country where they cannot count on public support, where a large segment of population do not appreciate the sacrifice they make, monetary compensation can be boost morale.
The result speaks for itself. It remains one of the most impactful clearance operations in the theatre.
The western media once again chimes in. Never missing an opportunity to put a negative spin on gains recorded. When the first batch of troops were flown to Belarus and Russia
The western media once again chimes in. Never missing an opportunity to put a negative spin on gains recorded. When the first batch of troops were flown to Belarus and Russia
..western media and so-called experts did not hide their skepticsm. They said given Russian military behavior in Chechnya and Georgia, the training is unlikely to contribute to a badly needed change in Nigeria’s military that largely ignores human rights,
and will likely fuel support or aquiescence for Boko Haram. Turns out they were wrong...for the umpteenth time.
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