The recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist locations in Sokoto State have ignited a significant debate within Nigeria, drawing sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while being defended by the Federal Government as a necessary measure against terrorism.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, calling the development a sign of failure in handling Nigeria’s security challenges. While acknowledging the serious security threats facing the country, the ADC expressed profound concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty and governance due to the involvement of foreign troops on Nigerian soil. The party emphasized that protecting lives and defeating terrorism are national priorities and supports lawful and effective security measures, but firmly stated that Nigeria must not allow desperation to compromise its independence. The ADC reiterated its long-standing opposition to the physical presence and operations of foreign military forces within Nigeria, arguing that current security challenges should not justify undermining the country's sovereignty.

Reacting specifically to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, the ADC described the action as a desperate and temporary step that must not replace Nigeria-led solutions to domestic security problems. The opposition party accused the Tinubu administration of incompetence, asserting that the foreign strike reflects a failure of leadership, particularly when national security and diplomacy are treated as secondary issues in favor of revenue generation. The ADC also faulted the government's communication strategy, describing it as troubling that such a sensitive and historic event was first announced through a social media post by the American President, with Nigeria's response coming only from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. The party urged the federal government to be transparent, clearly inform Nigerians about the number of terrorists killed, and take full responsibility for securing the country, highlighting a worrying lack of understanding of the situation's gravity.

Conversely, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, defended the decision to partner with the United States in the fight against terrorism. Speaking on X, Minister Keyamo argued that Nigeria could not reasonably reject assistance from the United States given the ongoing security challenges, particularly in the North. He likened the situation to a burning house where it would be