Senate Halts Debate: ‘Security Is Not Open Market Talk’ Over US Airstrikes In Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has suspended public discussion on the United States airstrikes conducted on December 25 against suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State. According to Ireporter Online, the decision was announced during Wednesday’s plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the matter should be addressed privately due to national security concerns.

Akpabio explained that issues relating to national safety are not ordinarily debated in open sessions of the chamber. He added that the Senate’s rights had not been infringed, noting that lawmakers were previously informed that the operation had been carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of Nigerian security agencies.

Highlighting the sensitivity of security matters, Akpabio emphasized that such issues require discretion and should not be widely discussed in public. He commended the senator who raised the concern and assured members that a full explanation would be provided during a closed-door briefing. According to him, the private session would clarify doubts surrounding the airstrikes and address questions from lawmakers. He urged senators to refrain from making public statements that could compromise national security.

The suspension of debate followed a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who cited the reported airstrikes as a potential breach of Nigeria’s constitutional authority. Ningi referenced the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that lawmaking responsibilities rest with the Senate and House of Representatives to ensure peace, order, and proper governance.

He expressed concern over reports that the US military had conducted operations within Nigeria, describing them as infringements on national sovereignty and violations of international law. Ningi stressed that even the President, as Commander-in-Chief, cannot authorize foreign military operations on Nigerian soil without proper engagement with the legislature and coordination with local security agencies. He warned that excluding lawmakers from such decisions could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and create potential constitutional challenges in the future.