The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the airstrikes carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Sokoto State on Friday expose what it described as the “historic incompetence” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The United States launched a series of airstrikes in the early hours of Friday, targeting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in parts of Sokoto State.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had earlier stated that the United States kept Nigerian authorities informed before carrying out the operation.
Reacting in a statement, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the opposition party supports lawful actions aimed at protecting Nigerians, it believes the foreign military intervention reflects deep governance failures.
Abdullahi warned that allowing external forces to conduct direct military operations on Nigerian soil is not a sustainable solution and could undermine the country’s long-term strategic and security interests.
He also questioned the extent of Nigeria’s involvement in the operation, cautioning that the country must not be reduced to “mere informants” in an exercise it ought to be leading.
The ADC spokesperson further called on the Federal Government to clarify issues surrounding operational control, casualties, and provide specific details on the number and identities of terrorists killed during the airstrikes.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recognises the serious security challenges confronting Nigeria and affirms that the protection of Nigerian lives and the defeat of terrorism must remain a central national priority,” the statement said.
“We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security.”
Abdullahi reaffirmed the party’s opposition to foreign military forces physically operating within Nigeria, stressing that desperation should not come at the expense of national sovereignty.
“It is in this context that we accept the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes on ‘terrorist locations’ in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025, only as a desperate measure that must not be allowed to substitute for a Nigeria-led action,” he added.
What you should know
The ADC’s reaction follows growing national debate over the involvement of foreign forces in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts after US airstrikes targeted ISIS-linked elements in Sokoto State.
While the Federal Government maintains that the operation was conducted with Nigeria’s knowledge and cooperation, opposition parties argue that such actions expose weaknesses in domestic security capacity. The controversy centres on sovereignty, transparency, and whether Nigeria is retaining operational leadership in addressing terrorism.
Calls for clearer accountability and Nigeria-led security operations continue to intensify amid ongoing insecurity across several regions.
