Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has publicly endorsed recent military airstrikes conducted against terrorist hideouts in Northwestern Nigeria. The operation, which involved coordination with United States forces, was confirmed by Nigeria's Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Sani's Conditional Approval and Warning
In a statement released on his verified social media account, Shehu Sani described the strikes as a "conscionable action", provided they were genuinely a joint operation with Nigerian authorities, as claimed by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). He went on to label the terrorist groups operating within Nigeria as "cancerous cells" that threaten the entire nation.
Sani strongly contested the narrative that these militants target only one religious faith, stating such claims are "absolutely false and misleading." He emphasized that their violence is indiscriminate and affects all Nigerians.
The Call for Ultimate Nigerian Responsibility
While acknowledging the supportive role of foreign allies like the United States, the former lawmaker issued a crucial caveat. He stressed that sustainable security and lasting peace must be homegrown.
"The ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power," Sani asserted. He added that while external forces can provide complementary or unilateral strikes, "they can't eternally fight our battles."
Official Confirmation and Broader Context
The Defence Headquarters, through its Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, confirmed the operation. He stated the precision strikes, approved by federal authorities, targeted foreign elements linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) and were designed to minimize collateral damage.
The airstrikes followed an announcement by former US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform on 26 December 2025. Trump linked the action to previous attacks on Christians, warning of consequences if such violence continued.
This military action occurs against a backdrop of persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including a recent deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
