U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Gain Support from Shehu Sani

• Former Senator Shehu Sani publicly supports First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s endorsement of U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto.
• The strikes targeted Islamic State (IS) militants near the Niger border on December 25, 2025.
• Tinubu called the intervention a “blessing” and encouraged stronger Nigeria-U.S. cooperation on security issues.
• Sani urged Nigeria’s Air Force to continue targeted operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central senator (2015–2019), praised Mrs. Tinubu for her stance on the December airstrikes. Posting on X, he said the First Lady’s position was “right and justified,” questioning criticism from some quarters.

“The December airstrikes against bandits and terrorists in the North were a welcome development,” Sani wrote. “More strikes by our Air Force are needed against mass murderers, rapists, and kidnappers. What Senator Remi said is right.”

The airstrikes were coordinated between U.S. forces and the Nigerian government to neutralize IS militants operating in Sokoto State near the Niger border. While reports indicate multiple militant camps were hit, some sources suggest certain strikes struck unoccupied areas.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the operation as a “Christmas present” for decimating targets responsible for attacks on Christian communities.

First Lady Emphasizes Security Collaboration

During a visit to Washington, D.C., Oluremi Tinubu described the intervention as a “blessing” and highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration on intelligence and counter-terrorism. She stated that Nigeria expects a deeper U.S. partnership to bolster national security and prevent future attacks.

The First Lady’s remarks have sparked debate. Critics question foreign military involvement in Nigerian territory, while supporters, including Sani, see the strikes as necessary to address rising terrorist, bandit, and kidnapping attacks in northwestern Nigeria. Analysts suggest her endorsement signals strong Nigeria-U.S. security cooperation and underscores urgency in preventive measures and intelligence sharing.

Sani’s support and Tinubu’s comments together indicate a push for a combined approach: continued targeted air operations, intelligence collaboration, and domestic security reforms aimed at curbing terrorist activities and restoring stability in affected regions.

Also read: FG Confirms Joint US–Nigeria Airstrikes on ISIS Camps in Sokoto

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