The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over the December 25, 2025 airstrikes carried out by the United States Africa Command in Sokoto State.
The opposition party demanded clarity on the number of terrorists killed during the operation.
It also questioned Nigeria’s actual role in the military action.
The party made its position known in a statement issued on Friday.
The statement was signed by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the party, the incident reflects serious failures in national security leadership.
ADC Raises Sovereignty Concerns
While acknowledging the need to protect lives, the ADC said foreign-led airstrikes expose deeper governance problems.
It argued that Nigeria should lead all military operations conducted within its borders.
Therefore, it warned that reliance on foreign forces could weaken national sovereignty.
The party stressed that collaboration should not reduce Nigeria to a secondary role.
It said the country must retain operational control over security missions on its soil.
Anything short of this, the ADC warned, threatens long-term strategic interests.
Questions Over Nigeria’s Role
The ADC questioned the government’s claim of collaboration with the United States.
It argued that Nigeria appeared to serve only as an intelligence provider.
According to the party, Nigeria should have led the operation outright.
It also criticised how information about the strike reached Nigerians.
The party noted that the first announcement came from the U.S. President.
It said Nigeria should have addressed citizens directly on such a sensitive issue.
Demand for Transparency
The ADC demanded detailed explanations from the Federal Government.
These include casualty figures, command structure, and identities of those neutralised.
It also asked why Nigeria could not execute the mission independently.
The party said trillions of naira have been spent on security over the years.
It questioned what special capacity the operation required that Nigeria lacks.
According to the ADC, these questions deserve urgent answers.
Warning Against “Strategic Surrender”
The party warned against confusing cooperation with surrender of responsibility.
It said national defence remains a core constitutional duty of the President.
Outsourcing that duty, it argued, sends a dangerous signal.
While reaffirming support for the fight against terrorism, the ADC urged caution.
It called on the Tinubu administration to clarify its security direction.
The party said Nigeria must retain control of its own defence strategy.
