Senate Probes US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Demands Executive Briefing Over Sovereignty Concerns

Lawmakers question lack of legislative oversight as controversy trails foreign military operation on Nigerian soil

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By Baron Stanley Eloagu | Abuja, Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has demanded a full security briefing from the executive following controversial United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist targets in Sokoto State, raising concerns over national sovereignty and legislative oversight.

The development has sparked debate within the National Assembly over the role of lawmakers in approving foreign military actions conducted within Nigeria’s territory.

Senate Raises Sovereignty Concerns

At plenary, Senator Abdul Ningi invoked Order 42 (Matters of Privilege) to question the circumstances surrounding the December 25 strikes.

He described the operation as a potential breach of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, arguing that the legislature was sidelined in a matter of national security.

“It is not right. If we begin to dilly-dally, it becomes a problem,” Ningi said, insisting that the National Assembly must be fully briefed by security agencies.

Warning Against Dangerous Precedent

The Bauchi Central lawmaker warned that allowing unilateral approval of foreign military operations could set a dangerous precedent.

According to him, failure to assert legislative authority may embolden other foreign powers to conduct similar actions without scrutiny.

He emphasised that the Constitution assigns the legislature a critical oversight role in matters involving national security and foreign military engagement.

Akpabio Confirms Planned Briefing

Responding to the concerns, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that arrangements had already been made for a closed-door executive briefing.

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He explained that the session was earlier postponed due to the suspension of legislative activities following the death of Godiya Akwashiki on December 31, 2025.

“This is a security matter and we really should not discuss it in the open,” Akpabio stated, assuring lawmakers that a new date would be scheduled.

Details of the Sokoto Airstrikes

The airstrikes, carried out on December 25, 2025, targeted camps linked to the Islamic State group in parts of Sokoto State.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed the operation, stating it was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and resulted in the elimination of several fighters.

However, the absence of prior legislative notification has triggered heightened scrutiny within the Senate.

Oversight Versus Security Secrecy

The incident has reignited a broader national conversation about the balance between operational secrecy and democratic accountability.

While security experts acknowledge the need for discretion in military operations, lawmakers insist that such actions must not bypass constitutional oversight mechanisms.