Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticised recent U.S. airstrikes conducted in northwest Nigeria, describing the military action as dangerous, imperialist, and a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
The controversy stems from a Christmas Day announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces carried out airstrikes targeting suspected Islamic State (ISIS) fighters operating in Sokoto State. Trump said the strikes were ordered at his direction as Commander in Chief and were aimed at militants allegedly responsible for violent attacks in the region.
In reaction, Sowore took to social media and public platforms to condemn the action. He argued that Nigeria’s government relinquished its sovereign authority by allowing foreign military operations on Nigerian soil, calling the strikes “extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.” Sowore insisted that while international support can be valuable, direct military attacks by foreign troops should not take place without genuine consent from the Nigerian people and their leadership.
Sowore also described the incident as a “sad day for African liberation and independence,” asserting that such foreign military interventions undermine Nigeria’s autonomy and regional stability.
Despite his criticism, U.S. Africa Command confirmed the airstrikes took place in coordination with Nigerian authorities and reportedly killed multiple ISIS fighters. U.S. defence officials have framed the action as part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist threats in West Africa.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has acknowledged security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, describing the collaboration as intelligence‑based and conducted within the framework of counter‑terrorism efforts. Officials emphasise that such efforts are guided by respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
The airstrikes and the ensuing debate highlight broader tensions over foreign military involvement in Nigeria, a country grappling with a complex security environment marked by insurgency, extremist violence, and political disputes. Analysts say these dynamics raise critical questions about how best to balance national sovereignty with international security cooperation.
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