The Nigerian Senate has announced plans to receive a closed-door briefing on the United States air strikes carried out in parts of Sokoto State, amid concerns over legislative oversight and Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty.
The decision followed a point of privilege raised during plenary by Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, questioning the circumstances surrounding the December 25 air operation and the apparent exclusion of the National Assembly from prior consultations.
Senator Ningi argued that the strikes, which targeted terrorist camps, amounted to a breach of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and raised constitutional concerns.
He stressed that issues bordering on national security and foreign military involvement fall within the oversight responsibilities of the legislature and should not be handled exclusively by the executive arm of government.
According to him, failure to brief or consult the National Assembly before approving such operations could establish a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for unilateral actions by foreign powers without parliamentary scrutiny.
Reacting to the concerns, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter and confirmed that arrangements were already in place for lawmakers to be briefed in an executive session.
He explained that the briefing had earlier been postponed due to the suspension of legislative activities following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Akpabio assured senators that the leadership had taken note of the concerns raised and that a comprehensive briefing would be held behind closed doors to allow for a frank and secure discussion of the security operation.
The United States air strikes, conducted on December 25, 2025, were reportedly carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities and targeted camps linked to the Islamic State group.
The U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that several insurgents were killed during the operation.
The planned Senate briefing is expected to shed more light on the extent of Nigeria’s involvement, the legal framework guiding the operation, and the safeguards in place to protect national sovereignty.
