The Senate on Wednesday resolved to deliberate behind closed doors on allegations that a United States military operation violated Nigeria’s territorial integrity, following claims of an unbriefed airstrike on Nigerian soil in December.
The decision followed a point of order raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) under matters of privilege, drawing attention to a reported U.S. military strike in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. Senator Ningi described the incident as a grave national issue, questioning what he termed the “audacity” of a foreign military action allegedly carried out within Nigeria without the knowledge or authorisation of the National Assembly.
He argued that such an operation, if confirmed, amounted to a breach of Nigeria’s sovereignty and raised serious constitutional concerns, particularly regarding legislative oversight of security and defence matters. According to him, lawmakers were neither informed nor briefed on the circumstances surrounding the reported strike.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the seriousness of the allegation, noting that issues touching on national security and foreign military involvement required careful handling. He maintained that open debate on the Senate floor was inappropriate for such sensitive matters.
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Akpabio subsequently directed that the issue be stepped down for a closed-door session, where senators would receive briefings and deliberate on the matter away from public proceedings, in the interest of national security.
The closed session is expected to examine the facts surrounding the alleged strike, Nigeria’s engagement with foreign military partners, and the constitutional processes governing such operations within the country.
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