- Shehu Sani backs US airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria
- Calls the strikes a necessary and conscionable action
- Warns Nigeria must not depend solely on foreign military help
- Says terrorists target all Nigerians, not one faith
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has welcomed recent US-backed airstrikes against terrorist camps in Northwest Nigeria, saying the operation was a reasonable response to growing violence, but cautioned against overreliance on foreign military intervention.
Reacting in a statement shared on his verified X account, Sani said the reported collaboration between the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was appropriate, provided it followed proper coordination with Nigerian authorities.
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“If indeed the strikes against terrorist targets in the northwestern part of Nigeria were carried out jointly with Nigerian authorities, then it is a conscionable action,” he said.
Sani described terrorist groups operating across Nigeria as “cancerous cells” whose activities cut across religious and ethnic lines, dismissing claims that the violence targets only one faith.
“The narrative that these terrorists attack only one religion is false and misleading,” he stated. “They kill Muslims, Christians and anyone in their path.”
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While acknowledging the value of US military support, the former senator stressed that Nigeria must take full responsibility for its own security.
“The ultimate peace and security of our country lies with us, not with the US or any foreign power,” Sani said. “They may assist or strike when necessary, but they cannot fight our battles forever.”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) earlier confirmed that the airstrikes were approved by relevant federal authorities and formed part of structured security cooperation with international partners. According to Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the precision strikes targeted foreign ISIS-linked fighters while limiting civilian harm.
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the operation, linking it to attacks on civilians and warning that further action would follow if the violence continued.
The strikes come amid heightened insecurity nationwide, including a recent deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
