Former lawmaker and rights activist, Shehu Sani, has reacted strongly to reports of United States military airstrikes on terrorist locations in North West Nigeria.
He described the action as necessary under the circumstances but stressed that Nigeria must not surrender its core security responsibilities to foreign powers.
The reaction followed public comments credited to United States President, Donald Trump, who announced that American forces carried out military strikes against Islamic State elements operating in the North West region of Nigeria.
In his reaction, shared on his verified X handle, Sani acknowledged the reported collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
He said that if the operation was truly conducted with Nigeria’s approval, then it was justified.
“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 in parts of Northern Nigeria have grown into a serious national danger. He described their activities as destructive to communities, livelihoods, and national unity.
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country. They live by the sword,” he stated.
The former senator also addressed the sensitive issue of religion, pushing back against claims that terrorist violence in Nigeria is directed at only one faith.
According to him, such claims distort reality and deepen division.
“The narrative that the evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading,” Sani said.
While welcoming any effort that weakens terrorist networks, Sani warned against excessive dependence on foreign military powers. He stressed that no external country can permanently secure Nigeria.
“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 also acknowledged by Nigerian authorities as part of ongoing cooperation with international partners to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
Government officials described the engagement as a strategic effort to prevent foreign-backed terror groups from gaining further ground within Nigeria.
Military authorities said the operation reflected the Federal Government’s determination to confront transnational terrorism and strengthen national security through partnerships where necessary.
The development comes amid continued security challenges across several regions of the country. Terror attacks, banditry, kidnappings, and bombings have affected communities in mostly northern states.