Bish Johnson, a retired United States Army captain, has offered his perspective on the recent missile strike targeting insurgents in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

According to reports, the United States, working alongside the Nigerian government, launched a missile attack on a base linked to the Islamic State Group (IS). The operation involved the deployment of Tomahawk missiles aimed at dismantling insurgent strongholds in the region.

Questioning the Motive

In an interview with Channels Television, Johnson suggested that US President Donald Trump, whom he described as a transactional leader, may have an ulterior motive in supporting Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

“Nothing is free in the United States,” Johnson remarked. “Each one of those Tomahawk missiles costs about $1.3 million.” He implied that such a significant expenditure indicates that the US government’s assistance is likely tied to broader strategic or financial interests rather than purely humanitarian concerns.

Cost and Strategic Implications

Experts note that Tomahawk missiles, which are long-range and precision-guided, represent a considerable investment. While they are highly effective against fortified targets, the financial and geopolitical implications of deploying them in foreign conflicts are often scrutinized.

Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, a security analyst in Abuja, said, “US involvement in regional counterterrorism operations is rarely neutral. Support often comes with expectations of strategic alignment, intelligence sharing, or access to resources.”

A Broader Context

The missile strike in Sokoto is part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activity in northern Nigeria, where extremist groups linked to IS continue to pose security challenges. While the strike demonstrates international cooperation in tackling terrorism, Johnson’s comments highlight how military assistance can also raise questions about national interests and motivations.

As the region monitors the effects of the strike, analysts emphasize the importance of balancing foreign military support with local security initiatives to ensure long-term stability.