By Bashir Bello, NASS Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep concern over recent military operations carried out by United States forces within Nigerian territory.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, faulted the bombardment of terrorist and bandit enclaves by U.S. forces, declaring that the operation was conducted without the approval of the Nigerian Senate.
Speaking during plenary under an order of privileges, Senator Ningi stressed that the action contravenes Nigeria’s constitution and violates international conventions.
He emphasized that such unilateral operations undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Addressing journalists after the session, the lawmaker explained that the matter was not debated in the chamber because it fell outside the Senate’s standing orders.
He insisted that even the Nigerian President lacks the authority to permit foreign military strikes without parliamentary approval.
“As representatives of the people, we are constitutionally empowered to approve such actions,” Ningi asserted.
The senator, who described himself as a direct victim of terrorism, recalled that his late maternal uncle, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on his farm.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the elimination of terrorists and bandits but maintained that any collaboration with foreign powers must be sanctioned by the National Assembly to ensure legitimacy.
Senator Ningi further warned that allowing such actions to continue could embolden other superpowers to violate Nigeria’s territorial integrity and even abduct its leaders, citing the U.S. operation in Venezuela as a cautionary example.
