Abuja, Nigeria — Former Kaduna Central Senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani has issued a strong rebuttal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Nigeria, accusing him of relying on “anarchists and propagandists” who deliberately distort the country’s security situation for political ends.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Sani said Trump had been “misinformed and misled by anarchists and propagandists” spreading half-truths about Nigeria’s war against terrorism and internal security challenges.
“Trump’s views about Nigeria and its leadership were shaped by people who thrive in chaos and division,” Sani stated. “They present a one-sided picture of insecurity and ignore the courage and resilience of Nigerians confronting terrorism daily.”
The former senator, who served in the 8th National Assembly and is known for his outspoken activism, acknowledged that while Nigeria continues to face grave threats from insurgents, bandits, and extremist groups, the country remains steadfast in its determination to restore peace.
“Nigeria will defeat terrorism. It may take time and sacrifice, but the people have refused to surrender to fear,” Sani said. “Our diversity and democracy remain stronger than the hate and violence of extremists.”
He called on the international community, particularly the United States, to adopt a more balanced and fact-based approach in assessing Nigeria’s internal challenges. According to Sani, foreign leaders should focus on supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing, humanitarian aid, and fair diplomacy, rather than amplifying politically motivated narratives.
“Western countries must not allow bias or misinformation to shape their policy towards Africa,” he cautioned. “The weaponization of falsehoods against nations like Nigeria only fuels division and weakens the fight against terror.”
Sani further stressed that Nigeria’s security battle cannot be won through military means alone. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of extremism — including poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
“The fight against terrorism requires both force and fairness,” he explained. “Without justice and inclusion, we risk perpetuating the same cycle of violence we seek to end.”
The interview comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record and its ongoing war against terror groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). Several recent foreign commentaries — including those from U.S. and European analysts — have accused the Nigerian government of mishandling security crises and ignoring civilian suffering.
Sani, however, warned that outsiders often overlook local resilience and reform efforts while magnifying negative narratives. He described such portrayals as harmful to Nigeria’s democratic image and counterproductive to peacebuilding efforts.
“Nigeria’s story should be told by Nigerians, not by those who profit from its pain,” he declared.
The former senator concluded by expressing optimism that, despite current hardships, Nigeria’s unity, diversity, and democratic values would ultimately triumph over extremism and misinformation.
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