Nigeria’s Senate has postponed open debate on US Airstrikes in Sokoto, opting for a closed session over national security and sovereignty concerns.
The Nigerian Senate has postponed open deliberation on the controversial US Airstrikes in Sokoto, choosing instead to address the matter during a closed-door session amid heightened concerns over national security, sovereignty, and legislative oversight.
The decision was announced during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who ruled that the issue did not amount to a breach of the Senate’s privileges and therefore did not warrant an open debate on the floor of the Red Chamber.
Akpabio stressed that issues relating to national security are traditionally handled discreetly to avoid exposing sensitive operational details that could compromise the country’s safety.
According to the Senate President, lawmakers had already been briefed that the airstrikes were conducted with the concurrence and collaboration of Nigerian security agencies, an assurance he said justified the need for a confidential briefing rather than a public exchange.
“Security is not something we discuss in the open market,” Akpabio stated, noting that a comprehensive closed session would be scheduled to provide senators with detailed information on the circumstances surrounding the operation.
He also commended the senator who raised the matter for drawing attention to an issue of national importance.
Following the ruling, the Senate formally stepped down the motion pending the anticipated closed-door briefing by relevant security and defence authorities.
The controversy was triggered by a Point of Order 9 raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District.
Ningi alleged that the reported US Airstrikes in Sokoto amounted to a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and legislative authority.
Raising the matter under privileges, the lawmaker argued that the powers of the National Assembly are firmly rooted in the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, Cap 208, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, as well as the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He emphasised that legislative authority in Nigeria resides in the National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Ningi maintained that the Constitution assigns the National Assembly the responsibility of making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the country, including oversight of security-related matters.
He expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that a foreign military carried out air operations on Nigerian soil.
Describing the development as a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty, the senator warned that allowing foreign forces to conduct independent military strikes within the country could undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity and breach provisions of the United Nations Charter.
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According to him, the Constitution vests the authority to approve military action in the President of Nigeria, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
However, he argued that this power does not extend to permitting a foreign military to independently conduct operations within Nigeria without legislative engagement and coordination with domestic security agencies.
“The title of Commander-in-Chief is not ceremonial,” Ningi said.
“It carries real authority and responsibility. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and its territorial integrity must be protected.”
He further criticised the executive arm of government for what he described as a lack of transparency, insisting that the National Assembly must be fully briefed on all security operations involving foreign forces.
He cautioned that excluding the legislature from such decisions could set a dangerous precedent and weaken democratic accountability.
The debate surrounding the US Airstrikes in Sokoto followed a public announcement by United States President Donald Trump, who disclosed that American forces had carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” attacks against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in north-western Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on December 25, Trump said the strikes were authorised by him as Commander-in-Chief and targeted ISIS elements allegedly responsible for violent attacks and killings in the region.
The Federal Government later confirmed the airstrikes, stating that Nigeria supported the operation and that the targets were known terrorist locations.
However, the development generated widespread controversy across the country.
Reports emerged claiming that some missiles may have struck unintended locations in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, raising concerns among residents and civil society groups.
In addition, conflicting accounts suggested that no casualties were recorded in some of the affected areas, further fuelling questions about the accuracy and impact of the operation.
As public debate continues, the Senate is expected to rely on the forthcoming closed session to gain clarity on the operational details, Nigeria’s level of involvement, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty, national security, and legislative oversight.
Observers say the handling of the matter will test the balance between security confidentiality and democratic accountability, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and cross-border security threats.
The outcome of the closed-door briefing is likely to shape future engagements between the executive and legislative arms of government on security cooperation with foreign partners, especially in matters as sensitive as the US Airstrikes in Sokoto.
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