A cleric of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has alleged that concerns about Nigeria’s security environment contributed to the recent withdrawal of United States troops from the country.
According to a report by Daily Trust on Monday, July 6, 2026, the cleric made the remarks during a church sermon in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he discussed the nation’s security challenges and the implications of the departure of American troops.
Speaking to members of his congregation, Dachomo alleged that insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have established strategic positions within the Nigerian military.
He did not provide evidence during the sermon to support the allegation.
Commenting on the withdrawal of U.S. troops, Dachomo claimed that American forces were unwilling to continue operating alongside Nigerian security agencies because of the risks they perceived.
“The U.S. Army will not endanger their lives. They are afraid to work with Nigerian security,” Dachomo said.
He further alleged that the security situation had become so compromised that foreign military personnel no longer had confidence in working alongside Nigerian forces.
“Boko Haram and ISWAP have strategic positions in the Nigerian Army. That is why the U.S. Army will not endanger their lives. They are afraid to work with Nigerian security,” he alleged.
The cleric also claimed that the alleged infiltration of the security architecture had made the fight against insurgency more difficult.
“If they cannot trust the security architecture, they will not risk the lives of their soldiers,” he added.
Dachomo argued that Nigeria’s security institutions require urgent reforms to restore public confidence and strengthen the country’s ability to combat insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of violent crime.
He maintained that the country must take decisive steps to address what he described as weaknesses within the security system if it hopes to overcome its current security challenges….See More