Former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has urged the United States to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity with cutting-edge technology, rather than posing a threat that can worsen divisions in the country.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” Mr Kwankwaso said on Sunday.

He stated this while expressing concern after President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had ordered the Department of War to prepare for possible military operations in Nigeria over the killing of Christians in the West African nation.

While acknowledging the threats posed by ravaging insecurity in the country, the politician stated that the situation did not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.

Mr Kwankwaso urged the Nigerian authorities to appoint diplomats or permanent ambassadors to engage the American government, stressing the need for unity in the country.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” the former governor stated.

Mr Trump’s declaration followed weeks of a sustained campaign by U.S. lawmakers, including Ted Cruz, Riley Moore, and Nancy Mace, among others.

He also ordered the U.S. Department of War to prepare to launch a potential military attack on Nigerian soil to rein in violent non-state actors terrorising Christians and others in the North.