No terrorists should be spared, says Shehu Sani

Civil rights activist and former senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has said that any group responsible for killing or kidnapping innocent Nigerians under any guise must be treated as terrorists and decisively dealt with.

Sani also urged United States lawmakers to conduct deeper and broader investigations into armed groups operating in Nigeria before making designations, to ensure their actions are based on accurate facts.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, the former lawmaker lamented the continued violence against innocent citizens.

“Any group that picks up arms to kill or kidnap innocent people under any guise deserves to be designated as a terrorist group,” he wrote.

He, however, cautioned that US lawmakers must undertake more comprehensive research. “They need to do deeper and broader research to get their facts right,” he added.

Defending former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sani said the politician had never promoted extremism or supported religious persecution, violence, or discrimination.

“Kwankwaso has never been an extremist, nor has he condoned, supported, or encouraged any act of religious persecution, violence, or discrimination. His conduct while in office can be verified,” he stated.

Sani also noted that leaders of groups such as Miyetti Allah and Kautal Hore are, in some cases, victims of banditry and terrorism themselves.

He concluded by stressing the need for careful scrutiny in matters of international legislative action. “A bill with political, historical, and global significance must be the product of meticulous, intelligent, and comprehensive research,” he said.