ABUJA – Former Senator Shehu Sani has described the recent US military airstrikes against terrorist targets in North West Nigeria as a “conscionable action,” but warned that Nigeria must not become eternally dependent on foreign intervention for its national security.
The former lawmaker’s comments follow a statement by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed on Thursday that American forces had launched “deadly strikes” against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Nigeria. The President claimed the operation was a response to the “vicious” killing of innocent Christians in the region.
A Joint Effort Against “Cancerous Cells”
Writing on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Sani noted that if the operation was indeed a collaborative effort between the US and “Nigerian Authorities”, as indicated by US Africa Command (AFRICOM), then the intervention was justified.
He compared the terrorist groups operating in the North West to “cancerous cells” that pose an existential threat to the region’s stability, adding that those who “live by the sword” must be confronted.
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country,” Sani remarked. “They live by the sword and must be dealt with accordingly.”
Correcting the Narrative on Religious Targeting
Sani also took the opportunity to challenge the narrative that the violence in Nigeria is solely directed at the Christian community. While President Trump’s address focused heavily on the protection of Christians, the former Senator insisted that such a view is incomplete.
“The narrative that these evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading,” he stated, highlighting that the insurgency has brought devastation to Nigerians of all religious backgrounds.
The Limits of Foreign Intervention
Despite welcoming the tactical success of the strikes, Sani issued a firm warning regarding the long-term implications of relying on international military might.
Key points from Sani’s caution:
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Self-Reliance: He argued that the ultimate responsibility for Nigeria’s peace lies with Nigerians themselves.
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Sustainability: Foreign powers may provide complementary or unilateral support, but they cannot “eternally fight our battles.”
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Sovereignty: Lasting peace must be an internally driven process rather than one managed from abroad.
Official Government Stance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently clarified that the strikes were part of a “structured security cooperation” with international partners, including the United States, aimed at eradicating violent extremism.
Major-General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, added that the operation serves as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle transnational terrorist networks and prevent foreign fighters from establishing a permanent presence on Nigerian soil.
