The African Bar Association (AfBA) has called for greater clarity, restraint, and strict adherence to international law following a United States military operation conducted in Nigeria on December 25, 2025.
In a statement jointly signed by AfBA President, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, and Secretary General, Dr. Prudence Acirokop, AfBA said it was closely monitoring reports surrounding the operation allegedly carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in Sokoto State. The association acknowledged the shared responsibility of sovereign states to protect their citizens but warned that such actions must not undermine national sovereignty or international legal safeguards.
AfBA expressed concern over what it described as conflicting accounts issued by the United States and the Nigerian government regarding the purpose and character of the operation. While U.S. President Donald Trump stated publicly that the strike was aimed at stopping attacks against Christians and warned that further operations could follow, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs clarified that the mission was conducted with Nigeria’s consent and was not motivated by religious considerations.
According to AfBA, the Nigerian government maintained that its support for the operation was based strictly on security intelligence aimed at eliminating terrorist threats, regardless of religion or ethnicity. The association welcomed this clarification but noted that the contrasting narratives raised serious legal and diplomatic questions that require further explanation.
AfBA reaffirmed its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and reiterated its support for lawful international cooperation to combat threats to peace and security. However, it stressed that such cooperation must comply with the United Nations Charter, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other regional and international legal instruments.
The association also voiced concern that the operation did not appear to fall within recognized exceptions to the prohibition against the use of force, such as self-defence or United Nations-authorized actions. It further cautioned against any development that could lead to prolonged foreign military presence or renewed militarization of Africa.
AfBA called on the Nigerian government to clearly define the scope, command structure, and duration of any foreign-supported military operations on its territory. It urged Nigeria to ensure full control over such engagements in line with its constitutional order and treaty obligations.
The association also encouraged Nigeria, the United States, and other international partners to strengthen cooperation through existing legal and diplomatic frameworks, particularly in cutting off terrorist financing, arms proliferation, and cross-border logistics networks.
