The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to clarify the presence of United States troops in Nigeria, expressed concern over national sovereignty and the safety of Muslim leaders.
In a statement issued on Friday, 6 February 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group said it was disturbed by what it described as secrecy surrounding the deployment of American forces into the country.
MURIC noted that the United States and Nigerian authorities had recently confirmed the presence of US troops, with government officials described them as a “small team” and “non-combat forces.” However, the organisation questioned the necessity of foreign boots on Nigerian soil.
While acknowledging the need for international cooperation in tackling terrorism and insecurity, MURIC said such collaboration should not be selective or appear to favour one religious group over another.
The group rejected claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, argued that insecurity and religious persecution affect both Muslims and Christians. It stressed that what the country need is improved security and greater religious tolerance.
According to MURIC, Muslims in parts of southern Nigeria have faced long-standing discrimination and persecution, which it said has not received adequate attention from authorities.
The organisation warned that any foreign intervention perceived as religiously biased could worsen tensions and undermine peace. It therefore demanded assurances that there would be no harassment, arrest, disappearance, or assassination of Muslim leaders under the guise of security operations.
MURIC also questioned the legal and financial framework of the deployment, asking whether the National Assembly was consulted and who was funding the operation.
It further criticised civil society groups, labour unions, and student bodies for what it described as silence on the issue, urging them to speak out in defence of national sovereignty and unity.
The group called on the Federal Government to provide clear information on the size, mandate, duration, and objectives of the US military presence in Nigeria.
Professor Akintola emphasised that Nigerian Muslims would not support terrorism but would also resist what he termed “imperialist intimidation,” insisting that security efforts must be fair, transparent, and inclusive.
