The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday deferred open debate on the December 25 United States airstrikes against suspected terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, citing national security concerns.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the matter would be discussed behind closed doors, emphasizing that sensitive security issues are not typically handled in plenary sessions. He assured senators that a comprehensive briefing would be arranged to clarify the circumstances of the strikes and address concerns raised by lawmakers.
The issue was raised by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central, who argued that the strikes raised constitutional and legislative questions. He claimed that the National Assembly’s authority under the 1999 Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act requires that legislative oversight be observed for military actions on Nigerian soil. Ningi stressed that Nigeria’s sovereignty must be protected, and warned that allowing foreign forces to act independently could set a dangerous precedent.
The controversy stems from a December 25 announcement by former US President Donald Trump, who disclosed on Truth Social that the US military had conducted strikes against ISIS targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government confirmed its support for the operation, stating that the s targeted terrorist locations, though reports emerged of potential unintended strikes in Sokoto and Kwara states.
Senate members will await a detailed briefing from Nigerian security agencies in a closed session to examine the operation’s scope, Nigeria’s involvement, and its implications for national sovereignty and legislative oversight. Meanwhile, Akpabio urged restraint in public discussions on the matter.
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Do you think the Senate made the right call on deferring the debate? Closed-door briefing – shady or necessary? Lets discuss!