Ningi Condemns U.S. Air Strikes In Sokoto, ‘We’ll Discuss Behind Closed-doors,’ Akpabio Pleads
The Senate will hold an executive briefing over the December 25,2025, United States air strikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State.
Ningi Condemns U.S. Air Strikes In Sokoto, ‘We’ll Discuss Behind Closed-doors,’ Akpabio Pleadse National Assembly from discussions concerning the Sokoto operation.
Recall that the U.S. carried out air strikes on December 25, 2025 in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeting camps linked to the Islamic State group, in Sokoto.
Raising the issue under Order 42 (Matters of Privilege) during plenary, Senator Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central), argued that the air strikes amounted to an infringement on Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He added that the strikes should have involved legislative oversight.
Ningi maintained that the National Assembly, constitutionally mandated to play a role in matters of national security and foreign military engagements, was not consulted before the strikes were carried out.
“It is not right. If we begin to dilly dally, it becomes a problem. The leadership of the National Assembly should be briefed by the security agencies on what actually happened. This is a violation of our territorial integrity”.
He cautioned that permitting the executive arm of government to unilaterally approve foreign military operations in Nigeria could set a troubling precedent, warning that other global powers might feel encouraged to act similarly without legislative involvement.
Reacting, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the Senate leadership had already made arrangements to brief lawmakers in an executive session.
According to Akpabio, the closed-door briefing was postponed following the suspension of legislative activities in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Akwashiki died on December 31, 2025.
Akpabio said: “This is a security matter. And we really should not discuss it in the open. We wanted to do it behind closed doors yesterday, but because of Senator Akwashiki, we couldn’t.
“Your point of order is noted and arrangements will be made to brief senators in a closed session.”