The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has expressed concern over a reported United States military strike on alleged Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) targets in Sokoto State, urging the Nigerian government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation and reaffirm the nation’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC said it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and supports ongoing efforts to eliminate violent extremism in Nigeria. However, the organisation said it was troubled that information about the alleged strike was first made public by authorities in Washington rather than by the Nigerian government.
According to MPAC, the manner in which the news emerged raises concerns about transparency, authority and national dignity. The group said military operations carried out on Nigerian territory should be communicated primarily by Nigeria’s own authorities, not by foreign governments addressing their domestic audiences.
MPAC cautioned that while security cooperation with international partners remains important, such collaboration should not evolve into operational dependence. It stressed that intelligence sharing and strategic alliances must not undermine Nigeria’s control over its security decisions.
The organisation also questioned official explanations suggesting that Nigerian intelligence supported the operation while the United States executed the strike due to its superior capabilities.
MPAC noted that Nigeria has previously demonstrated the ability to project military power within the region and argued that this capacity should be sufficient to tackle security challenges within its own borders.
Referring to past U.S. military interventions in other countries, MPAC warned of the potential risks associated with foreign-led strikes, including civilian casualties and prolonged instability. The group further expressed concern over past rhetoric by U.S. leaders which it said could inflame religious divisions.
MPAC emphasised that many victims of terrorism in Nigeria are Muslims and cautioned against actions that could deepen sectarian tensions in the country.
The organisation called on the federal government to urgently clarify the legal, operational and diplomatic framework under which the reported strike occurred, reassure Nigerians that national sovereignty remains intact, and recommit to building a security architecture that is Nigerian-led, Nigerian-controlled and Nigerian-accountable.
“Security is the primary responsibility of any government and cannot be subcontracted,” the statement said, urging authorities to prioritise transparent governance and Nigerian-led solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.