Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on the Federal Government to expand its fight against terrorism beyond Sokoto State. He said the recent air strikes carried out in the state should not be the end of security efforts against terrorist groups operating across the country.
Tambuwal made this call while reacting to recent military actions against terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West region. The strikes followed an announcement by United States President Donald Trump, who said American forces had carried out “powerful and deadly” air operations against terrorists in the region.
Shortly after the announcement, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the air strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the Federal Government collaborated with the United States in the operation, which targeted Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters operating in parts of Sokoto State.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday evening, Tambuwal welcomed the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. However, he warned that focusing only on Sokoto would not solve Nigeria’s wider security problems.
According to him, terrorist activities are spread across several states and regions, and the government must ensure that security operations are broad and inclusive.
“The security collaboration should not be limited to one place,” Tambuwal said. “Terrorism is not a problem of Sokoto alone. There are many areas of concern across the country that deserve equal attention.”
He listed Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria as states facing serious security challenges. Tambuwal stressed that these areas should also be covered by similar operations to prevent terrorists from simply relocating from one region to another.
“We should not have a situation where one part of the country gets attention while others are ignored,” he said. “Some areas may not be widely reported in the media, but they are facing serious security problems.”
Nigeria has battled different forms of insecurity for more than a decade. In the North-East, Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks on communities, security personnel, and public facilities. In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, armed bandits and terrorist groups have been responsible for killings, kidnappings, and attacks on villages.
Sokoto State, which was previously seen as relatively calm compared to some neighbouring states, has in recent years experienced increasing attacks by armed groups. These attacks have included assaults on rural communities and security formations, raising concerns among residents and leaders in the state.
The recent air strikes in Sokoto marked a significant development, as it was one of the rare instances of direct military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in that region. Many Nigerians saw the move as a sign of growing international concern over insecurity in the country.
Tambuwal said the government should build on this cooperation and seek support from more countries willing to help Nigeria fight terrorism.
“I believe that the Nigerian government should seek greater collaboration with many more countries, including the United States and others that are willing to support this fight,” he said. “This is not just a local issue.”
According to the senator, terrorism is a transnational problem that goes beyond Nigeria’s borders. He noted that terrorist groups operate across the Sahel region, stretching from Mali to Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries.
“What we are dealing with is a regional and international security challenge,” Tambuwal said. “These groups move across borders, share resources, and coordinate attacks. That is why the response must also be coordinated.”
In recent years, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have faced similar security threats, with terrorist groups gaining ground in rural areas. This has increased pressure on Nigeria to strengthen its partnerships with global and regional allies.
The Federal Government has repeatedly said it is committed to tackling insecurity through military action, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has also pledged to improve the welfare and equipment of security agencies.
However, critics argue that military action alone is not enough. They say the government must also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, especially in rural areas.
Tambuwal did not rule out the importance of non-military solutions but stressed that strong security action remains necessary to protect lives and property.
“People cannot farm, trade, or go about their normal lives when they are living in fear,” he said. “Security must come first, and it must be effective everywhere.”
He also warned against politicising security issues or allowing regional sentiments to affect decision-making. According to him, every Nigerian deserves equal protection, regardless of where they live.
The senator’s comments have added to the ongoing national debate about how best to handle insecurity and whether Nigeria is doing enough to protect vulnerable communities.
While many Nigerians welcomed the air strikes in Sokoto, others echoed Tambuwal’s concern that similar attention should be given to other troubled areas. Social media users and civil society groups have also called for transparency and regular updates on the outcomes of such military operations.
As the Federal Government continues its fight against terrorism, Tambuwal’s call highlights the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach. Expanding security operations, strengthening international cooperation, and addressing underlying social problems may determine whether Nigeria can achieve lasting peace.