The Nigerian Senate has deferred its public debate on the recent United States air strikes carried out in Sokoto State, opting instead for a closed-door session to address the matter, citing national security concerns.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary, explaining that the issue touches on sensitive security information and should not be discussed openly. Akpabio stressed that the Senate’s privileges have not been breached and that open debate on matters affecting national security is not customary.

“Security is not something we discuss in the open market,” the Senate President remarked, urging restraint and discretion from members and the public.

Concerns Raised by Lawmakers

The call for scrutiny was led by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who invoked a Point of Order on matters of privilege to raise constitutional questions about the strikes. Ningi argued that the National Assembly, under Nigeria’s Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, has authority over matters of peace, security and governance — and that foreign military action on Nigerian soil should involve comprehensive legislative oversight.

Ningi contended that the reported air strikes could constitute a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and potentially conflict with international law, pointing to provisions of the United Nations Charter. He further emphasised that, while the President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, foreign military operations require proper constitutional coordination and transparency with the legislature.

Senate President’s Ruling

Responding to Ningi’s concerns, Senator Akpabio clarified that senators had already received a confidential briefing indicating that the December 25 operation involved collaboration with Nigerian security agencies. However, due to the sensitive nature of the details, Akpabio said a comprehensive closed-door briefing by relevant security officials would follow to properly inform members.

The Senate, therefore, paused further public discussion on the air strikes until that closed session is conducted.

Background: The US Air Strikes

According to media reporting, the United States military carried out air strikes in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, targeting suspected camps linked to ISIS and other terrorist elements. While the Federal Government affirmed its support for the action, there were questions about the extent of legislative involvement and oversight.

Some reports indicate that the strikes were conducted with intelligence shared by Nigerian authorities, but uncertainty over reporting and public communication spurred debate over sovereignty, constitutional process and foreign military involvement.

Next Steps

The Senate’s leadership has scheduled a closed-door session where security chiefs and relevant officials will provide detailed briefings to lawmakers. This briefing is intended to clarify:

• The scope of the operation;

• Nigeria’s role and level of involvement;

• Any constitutional or legislative concerns arising from foreign military action on Nigerian territory.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have stressed the need for constitutional compliance, protection of national sovereignty and clarity around military cooperation with foreign partners.