By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 2026
The alleged move by the United States to capture Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Saturday has triggered sharp criticism from former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, drawn concern from the United Nations and several world leaders.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform that American forces had carried out what he described as a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Maduro, his wife, shortly after explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote.
Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani strongly condemned the action, describing it as a violation of international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty.
“Mr Trump condemned Bush for removing Saddam. Condemned Obama for removing Gaddafi; here he, acting without Congressional consent or approval, and without regard for international law and respect for the sovereignty of Venezuela, invaded Venezuela, removed their President,” Sani said.
He added that the action did not reflect the interests of the American people, urged history to record his firm opposition.
The development has revived memories of previous U.S.-backed regime changes, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein, and the 2011 NATO-backed intervention in Libya, which culminated in the removal of Muammar Gaddafi.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also criticized the alleged operation, describing it as an “illegal regime change agenda.”
“The kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife exposes the failure of the United Nations to restrain unilateral aggression and abuses of power,” Sowore said.
He argued that the UN had become ineffective, called for the creation of a new global coalition capable of upholding justice, preventing tyranny.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the reported strikes. His spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said the UN chief was “deeply alarmed” and warned that the rules of international law may not have been respected.
The UN called on all parties in Venezuela to pursue inclusive dialogue while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Several countries have also condemned the alleged U.S. action, including Iran, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, Spain, Germany, Italy, and China, raising concerns about the legality of the operation and the dangerous precedent it could set for international relations.
