Shehu Sani Sides with Oluremi Tinubu on US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Urges Sustained Counter-Terror Efforts

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur investigative Journalist Sele Media Africa.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has publicly endorsed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s embrace of United States military airstrikes targeting terrorist strongholds in Sokoto State, framing her comments as a measured response to persistent insecurity in northwest Nigeria. Vanguard News +1In comments shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Sani described the December 2025 US-led air operation as a “welcome development” in the ongoing fight against armed groups, including elements linked to the Islamic State (IS). He challenged critics of the First Lady’s stance and called for expanded aerial operations by the Nigerian Air Force to confront bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. Punch Newspapers +1“The December air strikes against bandits and terrorists in the North was a welcome development,” Sani wrote, adding, “More strikes by our Air Force are needed against those mass murderers, rapists and kidnappers.” He questioned the backlash faced by Mrs. Tinubu, saying her position reflected the hard realities confronting communities affected by violence. Punch Newspaper Context of the Airstrikes and Strategic Debate On 25 December 2025, United States forces, in coordination with the Nigerian government, conducted airstrikes on suspected militant targets in Tangaza and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, close to the Niger Republic border. The operation, part of broader counter-terrorism cooperation, aimed at degrading IS-linked enclaves and disrupting plans for attacks during the festive period. thewillnews.com +1 While officials including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed the joint effort and affirmed that no civilian casualties had been recorded, the strikes have sparked vigorous debate within Nigeria’s political and civil society spheres. Critics have voiced sovereignty concerns about foreign military involvement on Nigerian soil, urging clearer communication and domestic leadership in security responses. TheCable +1 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, during a visit to Washington, D.C., described the US intervention as a “blessing” and stressed Nigeria’s willingness to deepen collaboration with the United States on intelligence sharing and security cooperation. Her remarks were made amid ongoing discourse on religious violence and legislative scrutiny in the United States and Nigeria. This Day Live +1 Balancing Security Needs with SovereigntySani’s endorsement comes in a broader context where Nigerian leaders and analysts balance urgent security imperatives against concerns over national sovereignty and effective domestic strategy. While some, like Sani, see external military support as a tactical necessity against entrenched militant networks, others advocate for a Nigeria-led security architecture supported — but not shaped — by foreign partners. Tribune Online the debate underscores the complex security landscape in Nigeria’s northwest, where Islamist militants, bandits, and criminal syndicates continue to pose multidimensional threats to communities and the state. As federal and state authorities negotiate the next steps in counter-terror collaboration, the discourse is likely to evolve around tailor-made strategies that uphold sovereignty while addressing persistent violence. The Cable Sources:• “‘More airstrikes are needed’ – Shehu Sani backs Remi Tinubu over US involvement” — Vanguard Nigeria (Feb. 10, 2026) • “Shehu Sani backs Remi Tinubu over US air strikes in Sokoto” — Punch Nigeria (Feb. 10, 2026) • “Remi Tinubu Hails US Airstrikes in Nigeria as ‘Blessing’” — THIS DAY LIVE / AllAfrica (Feb. 9–10, 2026) • “Nigeria, U.S. Joint Airstrike Hits Terrorist Targets – Sokoto Govt” — TheWill News (Dec. 26, 2025) • “Airstrikes on terrorists: US can’t eternally fight Nigeria’s battles — Shehu Sani” — Tribune Online (Dec. 26, 2025) Vanguard NewsPunch Newspapers this Day Live +1thewillnews.comTribune Online.

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Afilawos Magana Sur

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Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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