The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) said it has taken note of reports concerning United States airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in parts of Sokoto State, as well as subsequent confirmations by both U.S. and Nigerian authorities indicating that the operation formed part of counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
According to its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, while RULAAC recognises the legitimate obligation of the Nigerian state to protect lives and address the threat posed by terrorist and violent extremist groups, the organization emphasise that all security operations – particularly those involving foreign military forces and kinetic action on Nigerian territory – must be firmly anchored in the rule of law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and strict adherence to human rights and civilian protection standards.
Arguing about issues of legality, transparency, and accountability, he said RULAAC is concerned that conflicting narratives surrounding the airstrikes have generated public uncertainty regarding the legal and procedural basis for the operation.
“In a democratic society, security cooperation cannot rely solely on secrecy or retrospective assurances,” he said, adding that “the Nigerian public is entitled to clarity on the legal framework authorising foreign military involvement in kinetic operations on Nigerian soil; the nature and scope of Nigeria’s consent and control over such operations; the safeguards in place to prevent civilian harm and damage to civilian property; and the accountability mechanisms available should violations occur.
He said that security effectiveness does not override the requirements of legality and accountability. Both are essential to sustaining public trust and democratic governance.
He maintained that foreign military action is not a substitute for governance,
“RULAAC reiterates its long-standing position that Nigeria’s persistent insecurity is fundamentally rooted in failures of governance, justice, and accountability. Terrorist and violent groups continue to operate largely because sponsors, financiers, and enablers of violence are rarely investigated or prosecuted; law enforcement institutions remain weak, compromised, or unaccountable; communities lack effective, rights-respecting protection from the state.
“Foreign airstrikes, even when described as precise or intelligence-led, cannot replace the urgent need for professional policing, effective prosecutions, institutional reform, and civilian oversight of security agencies.
RULAAC, according to Nwanguma, underscores the primacy of civilian protection in all counter-terrorism efforts, further adding that any operation that risks civilian harm or fuels fear among affected communities undermines long-term security objectives.
“We also caution against narratives that risk reframing Nigeria’s complex security challenges as religious or ideological conflicts. Nigeria’s crisis is not Christianity versus Islam; it is impunity versus justice, unaccountable power versus the rule of law.”
RULAAC called n the Nigerian government to:
– Publicly clarify the legal and institutional framework governing foreign military involvement in counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria;
– Ensure full civilian oversight and accountability for all security cooperation arrangements;
– Prioritise the investigation and prosecution of individuals and networks responsible for sponsoring, financing, or facilitating terrorism;
– Strengthen rights-respecting policing and community-based security as the foundation of sustainable peace.
Nigeria does not need security solutions that weaken sovereignty or sidestep accountability. Lasting security will only be achieved through lawful governance, institutional reform, and justice for victims.
