Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently tackle the worsening insecurity across Nigeria following threats by former United States President, Donald Trump, to consider military action in the country over alleged genocide against Christians.
Sani made the call in a statement on Sunday, warning that no form of foreign military aggression against Nigeria should be tolerated. The former lawmaker described Trump’s comments as an insult to the nation and urged the Nigerian government to take responsibility for protecting its citizens.
“I stand unambiguously opposed to any act of Mr Donald J. Trump’s foreign military aggression against my country under any guise, disguise or excuse,” Sani said.
Reacting to Trump’s reported statement that Nigeria had become “a disgrace” because of attacks on Christians, Sani said such a description was unfair and misleading.
“My country is not ‘a disgraced country’ and will never be,” he stated. “I wish to also strongly call on the government of my country to expedite action to crush terrorists and annihilate bandits, to secure the lives of our people and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.”
He added, “The killings and kidnappings must be brought to an end. Thank you and God bless.”
Sani’s comments came amid growing reactions to Trump’s alleged threat to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria in response to what he called a campaign of violence against Christians. The claim, which has sparked outrage and debate, has not yet been officially confirmed by the U.S. government.
Nigeria has faced severe security challenges in recent years, including attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, banditry in the North-West, and communal clashes in the Middle Belt. Kidnappings for ransom have also spread across several states, affecting both urban and rural communities.
While the Nigerian government has repeatedly pledged to restore peace, many citizens and rights groups say the response has been slow and ineffective. The situation has also drawn international attention, with some Western organisations accusing the government of failing to protect vulnerable groups.
Sani, known for his outspoken criticism of both local and foreign policies, urged President Tinubu’s administration to show leadership and ensure that the nation does not give foreign powers any excuse to interfere in its internal affairs.
“Our government must rise to the occasion,” he said. “The world is watching. We must prove that Nigeria can secure its own people and safeguard its own territory.”
