Former Senator Shehu Sani has expressed support for Nigeria’s security collaboration with the United States, stressing that the country cannot tackle terrorism alone.
Speaking on Wednesday during a television interview, Sani welcomed the arrival of American troops in Nigeria, describing international support as crucial in curbing insecurity that continues to claim lives and displace communities.
“We cannot fold our arms while terrorists kidnap and kill our people, and then turn away help from other countries,” he said.
“The fight is ours, but support is needed, provided it is a genuine partnership.”
The Defence Headquarters recently confirmed that 100 U.S. military personnel, along with equipment, have entered the country.
Their mission is to provide technical and operational assistance to Nigerian forces, aiming to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and protect vulnerable populations.
The government explained that the deployment is part of a bilateral agreement designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to confront armed groups operating across various regions.
The presence of foreign troops has sparked public debate, with some analysts and civil society groups warning that it could undermine national sovereignty.
Sani acknowledged these concerns but argued that the threat posed by terrorists is a more pressing danger.
“I understand the fears about foreign troops on our soil,” he said.
“But our sovereignty is already challenged by the presence of foreign terrorists. Military cooperation is common around the world, even among superpowers, to achieve security objectives.”
The deployment follows earlier U.S. interventions in Nigeria, including targeted strikes against terrorist positions last December, as well as visits by senior Nigerian officials to Washington.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that American military trainers and equipment are now on the ground to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.