Former senator and prominent civil rights advocate, Shehu Sani, has publicly endorsed the recent provision of military assistance from the United States to Nigeria. He urged Washington and other global allies to increase their support for Nigerian forces battling armed factions in the nation's troubled north-west region.
Sani's Timely Endorsement of US Support
Reacting to the development on the social media platform X, Sani characterized the reported delivery of essential US military supplies as both timely and praiseworthy. "I read the reports that the US has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria. That is a welcome development and commendable," he stated in his post.
He further challenged other nations friendly to Nigeria to follow the American lead, writing, "Other countries that claim to like or love us should emulate this gesture." Sani emphasized that any foreign aid designed to degrade violent groups operating in Zamfara State and neighbouring areas deserves full encouragement.
"Anything that can be done to eliminate Bello Turji, Adamu Aleru, Baleri and other terrorist criminals in the hinterland of Zamfara is welcomed," the former lawmaker asserted, naming some of the most notorious bandit leaders terrorizing the region.
AFRICOM Confirms Delivery Amid Ongoing Operations
Sani's comments came after the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) officially confirmed that American forces had transferred military supplies to Nigerian security agencies. This move is intended to bolster ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
In its own post on X, AFRICOM announced, "U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership."
This logistical support arrives as Nigerian troops and police continue intensive operations against armed criminal gangs and terrorist factions across several northern states, including:
- Zamfara
- Katsina
- Niger
- Kaduna
These areas have suffered persistent attacks on rural villages and security personnel, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life.
Building on High-Level Security Talks
The latest consignment of American aid follows a strategic diplomatic visit to Washington D.C. by a high-powered Nigerian delegation in November 2025. The talks were focused on reinforcing security cooperation and identifying new areas for partnership between the two nations.
The delegation was led by Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included other top officials such as:
- Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi
- Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede
- Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye
- Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the team held meetings with officials from the US Congress, State Department, National Security Council, and other government agencies.
Onanuga noted that the discussions tackled serious allegations of genocide in Nigeria, which the delegation firmly rejected. They clarified that the ongoing violence impacts communities across all religious and ethnic divides, not targeting any specific group.
"The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt," Onanuga explained.
He added that both countries agreed to implement a non-binding framework for cooperation and to set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate collaborative efforts. The United States also indicated its readiness to offer complementary support, including humanitarian aid and technical assistance to strengthen early-warning systems in conflict-prone areas.
