BREAKING NEWS: Shehu Sani Backs US Airstrikes, Warns Nigeria Must Fight Its Own War
Former senator Shehu Sani has described the reported United States military airstrikes on terrorist targets in North West Nigeria as a “conscionable action”, while issuing a stark warning that Nigeria risks surrendering its sovereignty if it cannot secure itself.
The outspoken lawmaker reacted after the United States confirmed deadly strikes on Islamic State targets in the region, igniting nationwide debate over foreign military involvement on Nigerian soil.
Trump Claims Responsibility for Deadly Strikes
The controversy erupted after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out what he described as a “powerful and deadly” operation against ISIS fighters in North West Nigeria.
The declaration immediately sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and security circles, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, consent, and the true state of Nigeria’s security architecture.
US Says Nigeria Cooperated
Adding to the tension, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the operation was conducted with Nigeria’s cooperation, praising Abuja’s support and readiness to work with Washington.
US Africa Command also echoed similar claims, framing the strikes as part of coordinated counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.
Shehu Sani: Terrorists Are ‘Cancerous Cells’
Reacting to the development, Sani said that if the strikes were indeed conducted jointly with Nigerian authorities, then they were justified.
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country. They live by the sword,” he said, stressing that armed groups operating across northern Nigeria pose a direct threat to national survival.
‘This Is Not a Religious War’
Sani also rejected narratives framing terrorism in Nigeria as violence targeted at only one faith, calling such claims false and dangerous.
He argued that extremist violence cuts across religious lines and has devastated communities regardless of belief, pointing to recent attacks on civilians and places of worship.
Warning: Foreign Powers Cannot Fight Nigeria’s Battles Forever
Despite supporting the strikes, Sani issued a sobering warning: foreign military power cannot replace national responsibility.
“The ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves,” he said, cautioning that while foreign forces may strike tactically, they cannot permanently secure Nigeria.
His remarks underline growing fears that Nigeria may be drifting into dependency on external military intervention rather than strengthening domestic capacity.
Government Defends ‘Structured Security Cooperation’
Nigerian authorities insist the airstrikes were part of structured security cooperation with international partners, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and preventing foreign fighters from establishing new bases in the country.
Military officials say the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to confront transnational terrorism and violent extremism head-on.
Fresh Attacks Raise the Stakes
The debate comes amid renewed violence across the country, including a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri that killed worshippers, highlighting how terrorism continues to threaten lives across religious and regional lines.
As airstrikes continue and political voices grow louder, Nigerians are now asking a difficult question: Is foreign firepower a solution or a sign that the state is losing its grip?
