Airstrikes: Shehu Sani lauds action, warns Nigeria against over-reliance on foreign forces

 

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has welcomed the reported military airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria, describing the operation as a necessary and justifiable step in the fight against terrorism.

However, he cautioned that Nigeria must not become overly dependent on foreign military intervention, insisting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through internal capacity and national resolve.

Sani spoke in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, reacting to claims by United States President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State-linked terrorists operating in parts of Northwestern Nigeria.

Trump had, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said the strikes were authorised by him and targeted terrorists responsible for violent attacks, particularly against innocent civilians.

In a related statement, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Nigerian government, noting that Washington was grateful for Abuja’s support.

Reacting to the development, Sani said if the operation was indeed conducted jointly with Nigerian authorities, as reportedly indicated by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), then it was a “conscionable action.”

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country. They live by the sword,” he said, stressing that armed groups threatening national stability must be confronted decisively.

The former lawmaker also dismissed claims that terrorist violence in Nigeria is directed at only one religious group, describing such narratives as misleading and divisive.

“The narrative that terrorists only target one faith is absolutely false and misleading,” Sani stated, adding that communities across religious and ethnic lines have suffered from violent extremism.

While acknowledging the role of international partners, Sani warned against relying on external powers to secure the country.

“The ultimate security and peace of our country lie with ourselves, not with the United States or any foreign power,” he said. “They may complement our efforts, but they cannot eternally fight our battles for us.”

Sani’s comments come amid renewed military operations against terrorist elements in the North-West, following confirmation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Nigeria is engaging in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, had earlier said the operation underscored the Federal Government’s determination, in collaboration with strategic allies, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing a foothold in Nigeria.

The airstrikes followed a series of security incidents nationwide, including a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism and its impact on communities across religious lines.