The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has expressed concern over reports that the United States carried out air strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements within Nigerian territory, warning that such actions raise serious constitutional, legal and sovereignty issues.
In a statement issued on Monday, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, the party said while the fight against terrorism is necessary, direct foreign military action on Nigerian soil must not undermine the country’s constitutional order or national authority.
Speaking on the development, ADP National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, said Nigeria should not compromise its sovereignty in the name of counterterrorism.
“No government serious about sovereignty should outsource the use of force against its own enemies without full constitutional clarity and democratic oversight. Fighting terrorism must not become an excuse for quietly surrendering national authority,” he said.
The party noted that Nigeria’s long-standing security cooperation with international partners has traditionally focused on intelligence sharing, training and logistical support. According to ADP, the reported use of foreign air strikes within Nigeria represents a significant and potentially dangerous escalation.
“Once foreign jets begin striking targets inside your country, you have crossed from cooperation into dependency. That is a line Nigeria must never cross casually,” Sani warned.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, the party emphasized that the responsibility for the security and welfare of Nigerians rests primarily with Nigerian institutions. While acknowledging the executive powers granted under Section 5 of the Constitution, ADP stressed that such powers do not negate the need for constitutional accountability, legislative oversight and public transparency.
The party also cautioned that any action suggesting Nigeria is unable or unwilling to secure its own territory could have long-term implications for state authority, noting that while terrorism threatens the state, erosion of constitutional order poses an even greater danger.
ADP called on the Federal Government to urgently clarify the legal framework guiding the reported cooperation, including the command structure, rules of engagement, civilian protection measures and the extent of legislative involvement.
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