Former Buhari aide Bashir Ahmad has warned that “Nigerians are battle ready to defend our country,” reacting to the United States’ escalating deportation moves.
Ahmad, a former special assistant to ex‑President Muhammadu Buhari, posted the comment amid rising tension over President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants, which now lists 3,690 Nigerians for possible removal.
His statement comes as the Federal Government acknowledges the threat: NiDCOM and other agencies have set up an inter‑agency committee, involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to coordinate support for any Nigerians who might be deported.
The committee is meant to handle reintegration and ensure assistance, even though no formal deportation flights have been confirmed yet .
Ahmad’s warning reflects growing anxiety among Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, who fear the impact of mass deportations and the political rhetoric from the U.S. The ICE data show 3,690 Nigerians on the “non‑detained docket” with final removal orders, and a broader pool of over 5,000 could be targeted, including those with criminal convictions or visa violations.
Civil society groups and religious leaders have also urged a more compassionate approach, highlighting the humanitarian consequences.In short, Bashir Ahmad’s “battle ready” comment underscores a defensive mood as Nigeria prepares for possible large‑scale U.S. deportations, while the government is establishing a coordinated response.
