Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military airstrikes on terrorist targets in North West Nigeria, describing the action as justifiable but warning that Nigeria must retain primary responsibility for its own security.
Sani’s reaction followed public statements attributed to United States President Donald Trump, who announced that American forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State elements operating in Nigeria’s North West region.
In a post shared on his verified X handle, the former senator acknowledged reports of collaboration between Nigerian and US authorities, noting that such action would be acceptable if carried out with Nigeria’s consent.
“If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists’ targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.”
Sani said terrorist groups operating across parts of Northern Nigeria have become a major threat to national stability, causing widespread destruction to communities, livelihoods and social cohesion.
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country. They live by the sword,” he stated.
The former lawmaker also addressed religious dimensions often attached to insecurity in Nigeria, rejecting claims that terrorist violence is aimed at only one religious group.
According to him, such assertions misrepresent the situation and risk inflaming further divisions.
“The narrative that the evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading,” Sani said.
While expressing support for efforts that weaken terrorist networks, Sani cautioned against overreliance on foreign military intervention, stressing that lasting peace must be driven from within.
“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power,” he said. “They can complementarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”
The reported airstrikes were earlier acknowledged by Nigerian authorities as part of ongoing cooperation with international partners aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Officials described the collaboration as a strategic move to prevent foreign-linked terrorist groups from expanding their presence within Nigeria.
Military authorities also said the operation reflected the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle transnational terrorism and strengthen national security through partnerships where necessary.
The development comes amid persistent security challenges in several parts of the country, with terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and bomb attacks continuing to affect communities, particularly in northern states.
