In a recent statement on his verified Twitter account, former Nigerian senator and activist Shehu Sani highlighted the complex challenges Nigeria faces in acquiring weapons for its fight against terrorism and banditry.
Sani argued that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign arms suppliers, particularly the U.S., has imposed significant limitations on the country’s military autonomy, especially when dealing with urgent security threats across multiple fronts.
Sani’s comments spotlight Nigeria’s difficult choice between acquiring less costly weapons from nations like Russia and China or opting for more expensive options from the United States, which often come with stringent conditions. “If it buys cheaper aircrafts or weapons from Russia or China, the U.S. will be angry,” he wrote, stressing that geopolitical pressures influence Nigeria’s defense procurement decisions. While U.S.-made weapons offer advanced technology, they come with “limitations and restrictions that tie the hands of our forces fighting terrorism,” as he noted, suggesting that these conditions hinder Nigeria’s ability to deploy its resources effectively.
Further, Sani’s remarks shed light on the broader implications of foreign dependency, likening the restrictions to a “hiring service.” He contended that such limitations compromise the independence of Nigeria’s security forces, and he urged Nigeria to prioritize indigenous weapon development to secure long-term strategic advantages.
The call for local weapon production reflects a sentiment among some Nigerian leaders and security experts who argue that self-reliance is crucial to address Nigeria’s unique security challenges. By developing its arms industry, Sani suggests, Nigeria can enhance its military capabilities without foreign interference, ultimately supporting a more robust response to internal threats.