Senator Shehu Sani has expressed support for growing security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, describing the partnership as a necessary measure in the country’s ongoing struggle to restore peace and stability.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sani reacted to the recent deployment of US troops to Nigeria, emphasizing that external assistance should not be rejected when lives are at stake.
“We can’t continue to fold our arms while terrorists continue to slaughter and kidnap our people, and then close our doors against support from other countries,” he said on the breakfast show.
“The fight is our fight, but support is very much needed as long as it is a partnership.”
Earlier in the week, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that 100 American troops, along with military equipment, had arrived in the country. The development followed a security agreement reached between both nations aimed at strengthening counterterrorism operations.
Defence spokesperson Samaila Uba stated that the deployment was part of a collaborative framework intended to enhance Nigeria’s security capacity.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” Uba said in a statement.
The announcement has generated debate among Nigerians, with some critics voicing apprehension about the implications of foreign military personnel operating within the country’s borders. Concerns have centered largely on national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
However, Sani, who previously represented Kaduna in the Senate, acknowledged these worries but argued that the country is already facing severe security breaches from non-state actors.
“I have read the strong statement issued by my friends opposed to ‘foreign military presence’ in our country. I share their views on the need for us to protect our ‘sovereignty’,” Sani said.
“I understand their distrust and fears about the US troops on our soil. Unfortunately, our ‘sovereignty’ has already been violated by ‘foreign terrorists’ presence’.”
He further noted that international military cooperation is not unusual, pointing out that even the world’s most powerful nations rely on strategic alliances to accomplish security objectives.
“There is no military anywhere in the world that doesn’t cooperate with the militaries of other nations to achieve its objectives. Even superpowers have to work with others to achieve their goals.”
The arrival of American troops comes months after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing what he described as the “killing” of Christians. At the time, Trump warned that military action could be considered if the situation was not addressed, though Nigerian authorities rejected the claims and disputed the characterization of events.
In December, the United States carried out airstrikes in Nigeria targeting terrorist elements, an operation both governments described as jointly executed. The strikes were presented as part of broader collaborative efforts to weaken insurgent networks operating within the region.
Following Trump’s remarks, a senior Nigerian delegation traveled to the United States for high-level discussions. Additionally, some American lawmakers visited Nigeria to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation and engage with local authorities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, the debate over foreign military collaboration remains active. While critics emphasize the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty, supporters argue that strategic partnerships could accelerate progress in combating terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities.
What you should know
The Nigerian government has confirmed the arrival of 100 US troops and military equipment as part of a bilateral security agreement aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts. Officials say the partnership will provide technical support and specialized capabilities to improve Nigeria’s ability to confront terrorist threats.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians expressing concern over foreign military presence and its potential impact on national sovereignty. However, supporters, including Senator Shehu Sani, argue that collaboration with other nations is necessary given the scale of insecurity facing the country.
The deployment follows earlier tensions between both countries after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious killings. Despite Nigeria’s rejection of those claims, security cooperation between the two nations has continued, including joint military operations and diplomatic engagements.
