ADC Demands Details of Terrorists Killed as U.S. Air Strikes Hit Sokoto

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded full disclosure from the Federal Government following air strikes carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on suspected ISIS terrorist locations in Sokoto State. The ADC described the development as a troubling reflection of governance and security failures under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, while insisting that Nigerians deserve clarity on the operation, its outcomes, and Nigeria’s precise role.

The United States confirmed that the strikes were conducted in the early hours of Friday, targeting ISIS elements operating in the North-West region. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the Nigerian government was duly informed and carried along before the operation was executed.

U.S. Air Strikes and Nigeria’s Official Position

According to official accounts, the AFRICOM air strikes were aimed at degrading the operational capacity of ISIS affiliates believed to be active in parts of Sokoto State. The operation marks one of the most direct foreign military actions on Nigerian soil in recent times, raising significant political and security questions.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that the United States acted with Nigeria’s knowledge and cooperation. He noted that the collaboration was part of broader international counter-terrorism efforts and framed the strikes as a response to the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.

Government sources have, however, not released detailed information regarding the number of casualties, the identities of those killed, or the extent of damage inflicted on terrorist infrastructure, leaving room for speculation and criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

ADC Accuses Government of Governance and Security Failure

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the air strikes underscore what it described as the “historic incompetence” of the current administration in managing Nigeria’s security challenges. While affirming its support for lawful measures to protect Nigerian lives, the party argued that the need for foreign-led military action reflects deep-rooted governance failures.

Abdullahi warned that permitting external forces to conduct direct military operations on Nigerian soil is unsustainable and could weaken Nigeria’s long-term strategic and security interests. He questioned a situation in which, according to him, Nigeria appears unable to independently lead critical counter-terrorism operations within its own territory.

The ADC further raised concerns about national leadership and sovereignty, suggesting that Nigerians are entitled to question the country’s autonomy when the President appears compelled to publicly acknowledge or report security developments to foreign leaders.

ADC Concerns Over Sovereignty and Calls for Transparency

The opposition party stressed that Nigeria must not be reduced to the role of a “mere informant” in security operations it should be leading. Abdullahi insisted that the Federal Government owes Nigerians clear answers regarding operational control, coordination, and accountability in the Sokoto air strikes.

Specifically, the ADC demanded detailed information on the number of terrorists killed, their identities, and the criteria used to classify them as legitimate targets. The ADC maintained that transparency is essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts comply with both national and international law.

While acknowledging the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges, the ADC reiterated its opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil. It described the AFRICOM strikes as a “desperate measure” that must not replace a robust, Nigeria-led security strategy, warning that desperation should never come at the expense of national sovereignty.