Opposition warns foreign military operations threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty, calls for clearer government accountability
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) air strikes conducted in Sokoto State on Friday, describing the operations as a symptom of the “historic incompetence” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The air strikes targeted ISIS-affiliated terrorists in Sokoto early on Friday, with the Nigerian government, through Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, asserting that the United States had consulted Nigeria before carrying out the operation.
Despite this, the ADC, in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that while lawful measures to protect Nigerians are necessary, the reliance on foreign military intervention exposes governance shortcomings.
Sovereignty Concerns and Operational Oversight
Abdullahi cautioned that allowing external forces to conduct direct military operations on Nigerian soil is unsustainable and could jeopardize the country’s long-term strategic interests.
He also questioned Nigeria’s role in the operation, emphasizing that the country should not merely serve as an intelligence provider for missions it ought to lead. The party called on the Federal Government to provide clear details regarding operational control, casualties, and the identities of terrorists neutralized in the strikes.
“When the President of Nigeria appears compelled to report himself to another head of state, even tagging a foreign President in a Christmas Day message, Nigerians are entitled to ask who is truly in charge of our country?” the ADC tweeted.
ADC Supports Security but Rejects Foreign Military Presence
The statement reaffirmed the party’s recognition of the serious security challenges facing Nigeria and its commitment to lawful efforts to combat terrorism.
“We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security. However, the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil should not become a substitute for a Nigeria-led response,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC warned that desperation should not compromise national sovereignty, stressing that the U.S. air strikes, while addressing immediate threats, must remain a temporary measure rather than a long-term replacement for domestic security initiatives.
