The United States military conducted airstrikes in Nigeria. They targeted terrorist groups in Sokoto State and other areas. Nigerian security forces collaborated on these operations. The strikes occurred in December 2025.
Moreover, the actions sparked debate in Nigeria’s political circles. Lawmakers questioned the involvement of foreign powers in national security matters.
Ningi Voices Opposition
Senator Abdul Ningi addressed the Senate during plenary on January 28, 2026. He represented Bauchi Central under the People’s Democratic Party. Ningi described the airstrikes as a violation of Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty.
He also called them a breach of the United Nations Charter. “Sometimes in December, the United States of America, via its military, took a lead into Nigeria’s territory, which is a complete violation of this document (constitution), which was also a complete breach of the United Nations Charter,” Ningi stated.
Additionally Ningi warned about potential escalations. He suggested that allowing such interventions could lead to dire consequences for Nigerian leaders.
The Hijacking Warning
Ningi expressed fears over Nigeria’s vulnerability. He argued that foreign powers might overstep further. “If we allow this thing to happen and we pass a law here that is detrimental to any powerful country.”
“The next we’ll hear is that president Akpabio has been hijacked or deputy senate president Barau has been taken out of Nigeria by the powerful military or even the senate leader can be taken away,” Ningi remarked.
Moreover he claimed the National Assembly lacked prior knowledge of the airstrikes. Ningi insisted on accountability from military leaders.
Call for Action
Ningi demanded the summoning of service chiefs. He urged the Senate to investigate the matter thoroughly. This push aimed to address the constitutional concerns. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded cautiously. He noted that senators received briefings on the collaborative nature of the operations.
Senate Deliberations Shift
Akpabio pleaded for discretion. “We’ll discuss behind closed doors,” Akpabio stated. As a result, the Senate moved the deliberations to an executive session. This decision followed Ningi’s motion and allowed private discussions.
The incident highlighted tensions over foreign military involvement. It prompted calls for stronger oversight of Nigeria’s security partnerships.
