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Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over what he described as a “misleading and unbalanced narrative” regarding Nigeria’s internal security situation. The outspoken lawmaker and human rights activist stated that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, it is misleading for foreign leaders to paint the country as a failed state or incapable of handling terrorism.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Sani expressed disappointment over Trump’s recent comments labeling Nigeria as unsafe and unstable due to what he called the “inability of the government to control terrorism.” According to Trump, Nigeria’s prolonged battle with Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups reflects “a leadership vacuum and weak commitment to global counterterrorism.”
Sani, however, pushed back strongly, arguing that the U.S. president’s statement was inaccurate, patronizing, and dismissive of Nigeria’s efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism. He asserted that the narrative fails to acknowledge the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges and the progress achieved through local and regional collaboration.
Sani Defends Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Efforts
The former senator emphasized that Nigeria, despite its limitations, has made significant strides in tackling terrorism and insurgency. He cited ongoing military operations in the Northeast, North-Central, and Northwest regions that have led to the capture of hundreds of insurgents and the liberation of numerous communities once under terrorist control.
“It is unfair and unhelpful for any world leader to reduce Nigeria’s security challenges to a single story of failure. The Nigerian Armed Forces, police, and local vigilante groups have been making enormous sacrifices to keep the country safe,” Sani said.
He reminded the international community that terrorism is a global problem, not one unique to Nigeria. From the Middle East to Europe, Africa, and even the United States, no nation is immune to the threat of violent extremism.
“America, with all its technology and resources, still faces domestic terror attacks and mass shootings. It would be hypocritical to lecture other nations struggling with their own realities,” he added.
Sani urged global leaders to offer constructive support rather than condescending criticism, noting that Nigeria’s war against terrorism has been fought with limited resources and minimal foreign assistance.
Nigeria’s Progress Against Terrorism Highlighted
Shehu Sani went on to outline specific achievements in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign that have been largely ignored by international media. He mentioned the degradation of Boko Haram’s capacity, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of territories once controlled by insurgents as signs of progress.
He also praised the ongoing deradicalization and reintegration programs spearheaded by the Nigerian Army and the National Security Adviser’s Office, aimed at rehabilitating former insurgents and preventing the spread of violent extremism.
“The narrative that Nigeria is collapsing under terrorism is misleading. While there are serious concerns, the situation is far from hopeless. The federal government and security agencies have intensified intelligence operations and strengthened regional alliances with neighboring countries,” Sani noted.
He further credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for showing renewed commitment to national security through reforms in defense policy, improved welfare for military personnel, and enhanced international cooperation.
Call for Balanced International Reporting
The former senator, who is also a prominent human rights advocate, criticized Western media for often amplifying negative news about Africa while ignoring progress and resilience. He described Trump’s remarks as a reflection of Western bias and misinformation that perpetuates stereotypes about African nations.
“There is a deliberate tendency to focus only on Nigeria’s crises without recognizing our resilience and ongoing recovery. This kind of narrative damages the country’s international reputation and discourages foreign investment,” Sani asserted.
He called on the U.S. government and global media organizations to engage with credible local sources and fact-based analysis rather than relying on sensational reports that fail to capture the full picture.
According to him, such narratives can fuel diplomatic tension and undermine collaborative efforts in areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, and economic development.
‘Nigeria Will Overcome Terrorism’ – Sani’s Message of Hope
Despite his criticism of Trump’s statement, Shehu Sani expressed optimism that Nigeria will eventually overcome terrorism through unity, resilience, and effective governance. He encouraged Nigerians to maintain faith in the nation’s security forces and institutions, emphasizing that lasting peace requires both military and non-military approaches.
“We must combine force with dialogue, intelligence with diplomacy, and justice with reconciliation. Terrorism thrives where injustice, inequality, and corruption exist,” he said.
He also stressed the need for good governance, youth empowerment, and education as long-term solutions to insecurity. According to him, many extremist movements exploit poverty and ignorance, making social investment just as important as military strength in ending terrorism.
“We cannot win this war only with bullets and bombs. We must address the root causes of extremism — hunger, unemployment, and bad governance. Once we fix these, the grip of terrorism will weaken,” Sani added.
Reactions Trail Trump’s Comments
Trump’s statement on Nigeria has sparked widespread reactions both within and outside the country. Political analysts, civil society groups, and government officials have criticized the U.S. leader for oversimplifying Nigeria’s security realities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the comments as “unfortunate and ill-informed,” stating that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of addressing its internal issues without external condescension. Similarly, the Presidency reaffirmed that Nigeria’s partnership with the United States should be based on mutual respect and shared interests, not on paternalistic rhetoric.
Public opinion has also been divided, with some Nigerians agreeing that the government needs to do more to protect lives and property, while others supported Sani’s view that Trump’s statement lacked diplomatic tact.
A human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeoma Chukwu, stated:
“While it is true that Nigeria faces security challenges, foreign leaders must be careful not to make comments that can demoralize our troops or embolden terrorist elements. Criticism should come with context and empathy.”
Analysts: Sani’s Response Reflects a Call for National Dignity
Political observers have noted that Shehu Sani’s response underscores a broader issue — the need for national dignity in international discourse. Many analysts agree that while Nigeria must acknowledge its challenges, it should also defend its sovereignty and highlight progress to avoid being unfairly labeled by foreign powers.
Dr. Peter Okon, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja, remarked:
“Sani’s statement is not just a defense of Nigeria’s security record but a reminder that no country should be defined solely by its struggles. His response promotes national pride while calling for realistic global cooperation.”
Conclusion: A Call for Global Partnership, Not Prejudice
In conclusion, Shehu Sani’s criticism of Donald Trump’s comments highlights a recurring tension in global politics the imbalance in how Western nations view and discuss African challenges. By rejecting what he calls a “misleading narrative,” Sani reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s resilience and its ability to overcome terrorism through unity, reform, and determination.
The former senator’s remarks serve as both a defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty and a call for balanced global engagement. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its fight against insurgency, his message reminds the world that the country’s story is not one of failure, but of enduring struggle and gradual progress toward peace.
