A formal petition has been submitted to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to investigate the recent US airstrikes in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The petition, filed by Comrade IG Wala of the Nigerian Citizens Investigative Platform (NICIP), raises concerns about the unauthorized use of foreign kinetic force on Nigerian soil.
The US airstrikes, carried out on December 25, 2025, targeted alleged ISIS militants in Sokoto State, reportedly killing multiple terrorists. However, the move has sparked debate about Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.
The petition requests the National Assembly to summon the Minister of Defense and the National Security Adviser to answer questions about:
- Authorization Protocol: Was there a specific, written request for this strike from the Nigerian government?
- Target Discrepancy: Why does the US narrative focus on “Christian Genocide” while domestic reports focus on “Banditry”?
- Civilian Harm Mitigation: What measures were taken to ensure Nigerian civilians were not killed by foreign bombs?
The petition highlights concerns about the silence of the Nigerian military in announcing the strikes, seen as a slight to national pride and a danger to the constitutional order. The NICIP is urging the House to demand a full “After-Action Report” to be made public.
The US airstrikes have also sparked fears about civilian casualties and the potential for further destabilization. Residents of the affected area reported panic and confusion, with some expressing concerns about the impact on their community.
Critics argue that the airstrikes undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and highlight the country’s reliance on external forces to address security challenges. The Arewa Research Development Project has queried the air strike, saying it impinges on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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