ADC faults Tinubu over foreign military operations in Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over recent airstrikes carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, describing the development as evidence of governance failure.

The United States conducted a series of airstrikes on suspected Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in parts of Sokoto in the early hours of Friday. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, later confirmed that the U.S. government had informed and coordinated with Nigerian authorities before the operation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the opposition party recognises Nigeria’s serious security challenges and supports lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and combating terrorism. However, he argued that the involvement of foreign forces in direct military operations on Nigerian soil reflects what he described as the “historic incompetence” of the current administration.

Abdullahi warned that allowing external military forces to conduct operations within Nigeria is unsustainable and could undermine the country’s long-term strategic and security interests. He stressed that while international cooperation is important, counterterrorism efforts should be led by Nigeria.

He also questioned the extent of Nigeria’s role in the Sokoto operation, cautioning against a situation in which the country is reduced to providing intelligence rather than exercising operational control.

The ADC spokesperson called on the federal government to clarify key details surrounding the airstrikes, including who had operational command, the number of casualties recorded, and the identities of the terrorists reportedly killed.