Former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani has supported the recent security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
Sani spoke on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television following the arrival of American military personnel in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria should not reject external assistance in its fight against terrorism.
“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,” he said.
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On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that about 100 United States military trainers and equipment had arrived under a bilateral security agreement.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the deployment would enhance Nigeria’s technical capacity to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
The development has generated debate, with critics raising concerns over national sovereignty.
Sani said he understood such fears but argued that terrorist groups operating within Nigeria already threaten the country’s territorial integrity.
“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.
“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.”
The arrival of US personnel follows heightened security discussions between both countries.
In December, the United States carried out targeted strikes against terrorist elements in coordination with Nigerian security forces.
