Former Senator says admission provides objective context for violence
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted positively to the recent admission by United States President Donald Trump that Muslims are also victims of terrorist killings in Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday, January 9, 2026, via his verified social media handle, Sani noted that this acknowledgement is a significant step toward properly and objectively locating the violence in Northern Nigeria within its actual context. He argued that the previous narrative, which often focused on a single group, was an attempt to use the US to achieve a “hidden agenda” through a genocide script.
Sani emphasized that religious identity does not offer protection against the indiscriminate nature of modern terrorism. He pointed out that for years, the reality on the ground has shown that both Christians and Muslims have suffered immensely from the actions of insurgents and bandits. By recognizing this, the Senator believes that the international community can move away from polarized narratives that do not reflect the complex security challenges facing the West African nation.
“Being a Muslim doesn’t insulate you from the evil of terrorism,” Sani wrote, urging all faiths to collectively agree on the shared dangers they face. He maintained that a unified front is essential for the eradication of terrorists from Nigeria. The Senator’s comments come at a time of increased US military interest in the region, following Trump’s warnings of potentially looming strikes against terrorist hideouts in Nigeria.
Warning against reliance on foreign powers for local solutions
Despite welcoming the US President’s objective assessment, Shehu Sani issued a stern warning to Nigerians about over-reliance on foreign intervention. He cautioned that citizens must free themselves from the “illusion” that a foreign power will ultimately solve the security problems that Nigeria is supposed to solve internally. While international recognition and cooperation are valuable, Sani insisted that the primary responsibility for national safety lies with the Nigerian government and its people.
The Senator has long been an advocate for home-grown security strategies that prioritize community intelligence and military efficiency. He argued that while Trump’s shift in rhetoric is notable, it should not be seen as a replacement for the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s own security architecture. For Sani, the focus should remain on building a resilient defense system that can protect all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The admission from the White House is seen by many analysts as a strategic recalibration of US foreign policy toward Africa. Under the Trump administration, there has been a noticeable shift toward a more “transactional and direct” approach to global security issues. Sani’s reaction reflects a cautious optimism that this shift might lead to more effective counter-terrorism cooperation, provided it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and addresses the root causes of the conflict.
Call for interfaith unity against terrorism
A central theme of Sani’s reaction was the necessity for interfaith solidarity in the face of a common enemy. He noted that terrorists do not distinguish between places of worship when carrying out their attacks, as both churches and mosques have been targeted with equal brutality. By acknowledging this shared trauma, Sani believes that the path to national healing and security can be cleared of the divisive rhetoric that has often hampered previous efforts.
The Senator called on religious leaders across the country to use their platforms to preach unity rather than suspicion. He suggested that the “genocide script” mentioned in his statement was a tool used by divisive elements to attract international sympathy while ignoring the suffering of others. With the US President now providing a more balanced view, Sani hopes that the conversation can transition from blame-shifting to collective action.
As the security situation in Nigeria remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration, the input of veteran politicians like Shehu Sani continues to shape public discourse. His insistence on objective context and self-reliance serves as a reminder that external support is only as effective as the domestic will to implement lasting change. For now, the “admission” from Washington serves as a vital piece of the puzzle in the ongoing struggle for peace in the Sahel and beyond.
