US Military Support Needed In Anti-Terror War – Shehu Sani

A former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has welcomed the United States’ security collaboration with Nigeria, describing it as a necessary step in the country’s fight against terrorism.

Sani spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, following the arrival of US troops in Nigeria.

He said, “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.

“The fight is our fight, but support is very much needed as long as it is a partnership.”

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrival of about 100 US military personnel and equipment in Nigeria.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed a security agreement between both countries.

“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 stated.

The military authorities emphasised that the US personnel were serving in an advisory and training capacity.

The development has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

However, Sani said while such fears were understandable, the country faced a more pressing security threat.

Sani said, “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’.

“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 added that international military cooperation was common practice globally.

“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,” Sani said.

The arrival of the US troops came months after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing alleged killings of Christians, claims Nigerian authorities have denied.

In December, the United States launched strikes in Nigeria targeting terrorist elements, an operation both governments described as jointly coordinated.