AKPABIO SUSPENDS DEBATE OVER US AIRSTRIKES AMID INSECURITY CONCERNS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday postponed an open discussion on the December 25 US airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in Sokoto State.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the matter would be addressed in a closed session in the interest of national security, stressing that sensitive security operations are not usually debated in plenary. He noted that lawmakers had already been briefed that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian security agencies.
“Security is not something we discuss in the open market,” Akpabio said, while commending the senator who raised the issue. He assured members that a comprehensive briefing would be organized behind closed doors to clarify the circumstances of the strikes and address senators’ concerns, urging discretion in public discussions on security matters.
The deferral followed a Point of Order raised by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central, who alleged that the airstrikes breached Nigeria’s constitutional and legislative authority. Ningi argued that the National Assembly, under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the 1999 Constitution, holds responsibility for lawmaking to ensure peace, order, and good governance.
The senator expressed concern that the US military conducted strikes on Nigerian soil without sufficient legislative oversight, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the United Nations Charter. He emphasised that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, holds sole authority to approve military action and cannot permit foreign forces to operate independently within the country without legislative engagement and coordination with local security agencies.
“The title of Commander-in-Chief is not ceremonial,” Ningi said. “It confers real authority and responsibility. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and its territorial integrity must be protected.” He warned that bypassing the legislature could set a dangerous precedent.
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The controversy follows a December 25 statement by US President Donald Trump, announcing a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in northwestern Nigeria via his Truth Social platform. The Federal Government confirmed Nigeria supported the operation, targeting terrorist locations, though reports emerged of missiles striking unintended areas in Sokoto and Kwara states. Some locations reportedly recorded no casualties.
The Senate is expected to receive a detailed briefing from security agencies in a closed session to clarify the scope of the operation, Nigeria’s involvement, and the implications for national sovereignty and legislative oversight.
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