The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed concern over reports of United States airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in parts of Sokoto State, calling for clarity, legality, and accountability in all foreign military operations conducted on Nigerian soil.
In a statement dated December 26, signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), RULAAC said it had taken note of confirmations by both U.S. and Nigerian authorities that the strikes were part of counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s responsibility to protect lives and confront terrorism, the organisation warned that such operations must strictly comply with the rule of law and respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“While RULAAC recognises the legitimate obligation of the Nigerian state to protect lives and address the threat posed by terrorist and violent extremist groups, we 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,” the group said.
RULAAC said conflicting narratives surrounding the airstrikes had created public uncertainty about the legal and procedural basis of the operation. It stressed that democratic governance requires more than secrecy or after-the-fact assurances.
“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,” the statement said.
According to the organisation, “Security effectiveness does not override the requirements of legality and accountability. Both are essential to sustaining public trust and democratic governance.”
RULAAC also reiterated its position that Nigeria’s long-running insecurity is driven largely by governance and justice failures, rather than solely by military shortcomings.
“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,” it said.
The group cautioned that foreign airstrikes, “even when described as precise or intelligence-led,” cannot replace “professional policing, effective prosecutions, institutional reform, and civilian oversight of security agencies.”
RULAAC underscored the need to prioritise civilian safety in all counter-terrorism efforts, warning that operations that endanger civilians could undermine long-term security.
“Any operation that risks civilian harm or fuels fear among affected communities undermines long-term security objectives,” the statement noted.
It also warned against framing Nigeria’s security crisis in religious terms, saying: “Nigeria’s crisis is not Christianity versus Islam; it is impunity versus justice, unaccountable power versus the rule of law.”
RULAAC called on the Nigerian government to publicly clarify the legal and institutional framework governing foreign military involvement in counter-terrorism operations, ensure full civilian oversight and accountability, prioritise the prosecution of terrorism sponsors and financiers, and strengthen rights-respecting policing and community-based security.
“Nigeria does not need security solutions that weaken sovereignty or sidestep accountability,” the organisation said, adding that “lasting security will only be achieved through lawful governance, institutional reform, and justice for victims.”
