A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has raised concerns over a reported United States air strike carried out on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day, questioning the role of the Federal Government and the silence of the country’s political and military leadership.
In a joint press statement issued on Monday, December 29, 2025, the groups expressed what they described as deep concern over the operation and the lack of public explanation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Service Chiefs and the leadership of the National Assembly.
The organisations said the incident raises questions about Nigeria’s sovereignty, constitutional governance, and civilian protection, particularly regarding the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to the statement, the groups faulted what they described as the involvement of a foreign military in an internal security matter, arguing that such action should be subject to transparency, legal clarity and democratic oversight. They cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The coalition also called for a review of Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy and its framework for preventing and countering violent extremism, to determine whether the reported operation aligns with existing national policies.
The civil society groups further expressed concern over what they described as a lack of information surrounding the strike, including its legal basis, rules of engagement, civilian protection measures and whether the National Assembly exercised any oversight.
They noted reports that debris from expended munitions allegedly landed on farmlands in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and near a hotel in Offa, Kwara State. The groups said there has been no official confirmation that any militant targets were successfully hit.
While acknowledging the establishment of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Board by the Nigerian Air Force in July 2025, the coalition said no clear civilian harm mitigation protocols were publicly outlined in relation to the reported operation.
The organisations warned that the handling of the incident could heighten religious and communal tensions if not properly addressed, and called for transparent investigations, public disclosure of findings, assistance to affected communities and compensation where harm has occurred.
In their statement, the groups urged President Tinubu and the country’s security leadership to provide clarity on the operation and uphold constitutional responsibilities. They also stated that continued silence on the matter could further erode public trust.
The statement was jointly signed by more than 100 civil society organisations and human rights groups across the country
