US Airstrike: Foreign military assistance short term relief – Shehu Sani

Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that while foreign military assistance may provide short-term relief, Nigeria must ultimately take full responsibility for securing its own territory, insisting that the United States cannot “eternally fight our battles”.

Reacting to United States Christmas day airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in parts of northern Nigeria, Sani acknowledged the tactical value of foreign intervention but warned against overdependence on external powers to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted security challenges.

In a statement shared on Thursday, 26 December 2025, the outspoken rights activist and former lawmaker stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved when Nigeria builds strong, self-reliant security institutions capable of defending the country without constant foreign support.

“Foreign military support can help in critical moments, but no nation can outsource its sovereignty indefinitely,” Sani said. “The United States cannot eternally fight our battles. Nigeria must develop the capacity, intelligence, and political will to confront insecurity on its own.”

He argued that while the US airstrikes may weaken terrorist networks in the short term, they do not address the underlying factors fuelling insurgency, banditry and violent extremism across the country.

According to him, poor governance, widespread poverty, youth unemployment, weak border controls and the proliferation of small arms continue to provide fertile ground for criminal and extremist groups to thrive.

Sani further warned that repeated foreign military interventions could raise concerns about national sovereignty and public perception, especially if Nigerians begin to see their own armed forces as dependent on external powers.

“Security is not just about bombs and airstrikes,” he added. “It is about justice, economic inclusion, intelligence gathering, community trust and accountable leadership. Without these, military victories will remain temporary.”

The former senator called on the federal government to invest more aggressively in intelligence-driven operations, modern equipment for the armed forces, improved welfare for security personnel and closer collaboration with local communities.

His comments come amid growing national debate over the implications of US military involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, with opinions sharply divided between those who welcome foreign assistance and others who fear long-term dependency and erosion of sovereignty.

Despite his reservations, Sani maintained that international cooperation remains important, but only as a complement — not a substitute — for Nigeria’s own responsibility to protect its citizens and territory.