Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, describing the growing military and intelligence cooperation between both countries as critical to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
The former Kaduna Central senator’s position comes amid intensified collaboration between Abuja and Washington, including military training, intelligence sharing, and delivery of defence equipment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), recent military supplies delivered to Nigeria were part of efforts to reinforce “shared security partnership” and assist ongoing counterterrorism operations. 
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, arguing that such international cooperation is necessary to confront violent extremist groups that have expanded their operations across northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
US support boosts Nigeria’s fight against insecurity
The partnership has grown in scale and urgency as Nigeria faces mounting threats from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed bandits.
Recent security cooperation includes the deployment of US military personnel to Nigeria to provide technical training and advisory support to Nigerian troops battling extremist threats. The United States has emphasised that its personnel will focus on training and intelligence assistance rather than direct combat, with Nigerian forces retaining full operational command. 
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, stating that military training, intelligence exchange, and logistical support are essential tools in modern counterterrorism operations.
He also previously welcomed the delivery of US military equipment to Nigerian authorities, describing the gesture as timely and urging other countries to emulate such support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry. 
His position reflects growing recognition among Nigerian security stakeholders that international collaboration is necessary to confront transnational security threats.
Long history of military cooperation between Nigeria and US
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership within a broader historical framework of military collaboration between the two countries.
Nigeria and the United States have maintained longstanding defence ties involving training programmes, military assistance, intelligence sharing, and joint counterterrorism operations. US support has included military equipment, advisory roles, and specialised training designed to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities. 
The United States has also partnered with Nigeria under the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership, which focuses on providing training and strategic support to combat terrorism and prevent extremist expansion across West Africa. 
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, noting that terrorism has become a regional and global threat requiring coordinated international responses.
Recent joint military operations highlight deepening cooperation
The partnership gained renewed attention following joint military operations targeting terrorist groups in Nigeria’s northwest region.
In December 2025, US and Nigerian forces conducted coordinated strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State, targeting terrorist camps based on intelligence cooperation between both countries. 
These operations demonstrated the operational dimension of US-Nigeria security cooperation, beyond training and logistics.
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, describing such coordinated action as evidence that global alliances remain essential in confronting violent extremist networks.
Security analysts note that insurgent groups operating across the Sahel often move across borders, making international intelligence cooperation critical to disrupting their activities.
Military supplies and intelligence support strengthen Nigeria’s defence
Recent military assistance from the United States includes delivery of defence equipment, intelligence support, and specialised training aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s operational effectiveness.
AFRICOM confirmed that military supplies were delivered to Nigerian authorities in Abuja to support ongoing counterterrorism operations. The supplies form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security capabilities and improve operational readiness. 
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, emphasising that modern warfare requires advanced intelligence, technology, and international coordination.
Such support enhances Nigeria’s ability to track terrorist movements, respond to attacks, and protect vulnerable communities.
https://ogelenews.ng/shehu-sani-backs-us-nigeria-security-partnership
Security cooperation seen as strategic necessity
Security experts argue that Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved beyond purely domestic threats, requiring international cooperation.
Extremist groups operating in Nigeria often maintain connections with transnational terrorist networks, necessitating intelligence sharing and coordinated response strategies.
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, describing the alliance as a strategic necessity rather than a political choice.
He has also warned that while international assistance is valuable, Nigeria must continue strengthening its domestic security institutions to ensure long-term stability.
This balanced view reflects broader consensus among security experts that international support complements—but cannot replace—domestic security reforms.
Public and political reactions to US-Nigeria partnership
The deepening security partnership has generated mixed reactions within Nigeria’s political and public spheres.
Supporters argue that international cooperation strengthens Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and restore stability.
Critics, however, warn against excessive dependence on foreign military assistance and stress the importance of building self-reliant defence capabilities.
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, but his position also acknowledges the need for Nigeria to retain sovereignty and leadership over its own security operations.
US officials have emphasised that their role remains advisory, with Nigerian forces maintaining full command and operational authority. 
Implications for Nigeria’s national security strategy
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, and his endorsement reflects broader shifts in Nigeria’s national security strategy.
The Nigerian government has increasingly embraced international partnerships to address complex security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and organised crime.
International cooperation enhances intelligence gathering, operational efficiency, and access to advanced defence technology.
At the same time, Nigeria continues investing in military modernisation and strengthening domestic security institutions.
Conclusion: Strategic partnership remains critical to security
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, reinforcing the argument that global alliances remain essential in confronting modern security threats.
The evolving partnership between Nigeria and the United States represents a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities and restore stability.
As Nigeria continues confronting security challenges, international cooperation, combined with domestic reforms, remains central to achieving lasting peace.
Shehu Sani backs US-Nigeria security partnership, positioning the alliance as a key pillar in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and insecurity.
