Opposition African Democratic Congress has blasted President Bola Tinubu over the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025.
ADC described the incident as a clear sign of government failure regarding security.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement that while the party supports all lawful efforts to protect Nigerian lives, the involvement of a foreign military force carrying out direct attacks on Nigerian soil amounts to what it called the administration’s inability to handle the country’s security challenges.
It warned that allowing foreign troops to conduct military operations inside Nigeria is not sustainable and could damage the country’s sovereignty and long-term strategic interests.
The opposition party argued that Nigeria should be leading such operations, not playing a secondary role.
According to the ADC, the government’s claim of “collaboration” with the United States raises serious questions, saying Nigeria appeared to act mainly as an intelligence source, rather than being in full control of the operation.
The ADC therefore insisted that Nigerians deserve to know who planned the strike, who executed it, and who was in charge on the ground.
It also criticised how information about the airstrike was handled, noting that Nigerians first learned of the attack through a social media post by the U.S. President.
ADC said this was troubling, especially given the sensitivity of a foreign military strike within the country.
It further demanded that the Federal Government clearly state how many terrorists were actually killed, their identities, and the immediate results of the operation.
The party questioned why, despite huge spending on security over the years, Nigeria could not lead the mission if it already had the intelligence.
ADC cautioned against confusing security cooperation with what it called a quiet surrender of responsibility, warning that such actions could weaken national unity and Nigeria’s self-respect.
