Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, says foreign military assistance to Nigeria can only be complementary and should not be seen as a permanent solution to the country’s security challenges.
Sani said this while reacting to reports of recent military strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist targets in parts of North-West Nigeria, which the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) described as a joint operation carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
In a post on his verified X handle, the former lawmaker noted that if the strikes were truly conducted jointly with Nigerian security forces, as claimed by AFRICOM, such action was justified in view of the increasing threat posed by terrorists in the region.
“If actually the military strikes against terrorist targets in the North-West were a joint operation with the Nigerian authorities, then it is a conscionable action,” Sani said.
He described terrorists as a grave danger to communities in the affected areas, adding that, “Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country. They live by the sword.”
However, Sani cautioned against excessive dependence on foreign powers to address Nigeria’s security problems, stressing that sustainable peace and security must be driven by Nigerians themselves.
He also dismissed claims that terrorist attacks in the country are directed at only one religious group, describing such narratives as inaccurate.
“The narrative that the evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading,” he stated.
Emphasising national responsibility, Sani said that while the United States and other foreign partners may provide support, Nigeria must retain primary responsibility for its own defence.
“The ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complementarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles,” he said.
