Nigerians Reject Call for U.S. Military Base in Port Harcourt

A call by foreign policy expert Walid Phares urging the United States to establish an emergency military base in Port Harcourt has triggered widespread criticism across Nigeria, with citizens accusing promoters of the idea of pushing a foreign agenda under the guise of humanitarian intervention. Phares had urged President Donald Trump to deploy troops or consider targeted strikes to counter jihadist groups in Nigeria.

The proposal immediately drew backlash online, with many Nigerians arguing that the plan is a strategic attempt to gain access to Nigeria’s oil-rich region rather than a genuine security effort. An X user, @Iamjaneezy, wrote that the talk of a U.S. base has “nothing to do with aid” but everything to do with controlling the Niger Delta, which he called Nigeria’s economic heartbeat.

Another user, @voxnihilum, warned that linking Port Harcourt to Biafra signals deeper geopolitical manoeuvring, noting that such moves could inflame tensions in a country already under strain. Others, including @abdulcardry and @Tolu7086, said the call fits a “divide and rule” pattern and insisted that Nigeria must address insecurity internally rather than rely on foreign soldiers.

While some acknowledged the need for better protection of communities affected by extremist violence, many users maintained that a foreign military base would erode Nigeria’s sovereignty and escalate regional instability. They argued that real humanitarian support would focus on rebuilding communities, not establishing military structures around oil pipelines.