US Strikes Not a Violation of Nigeria’s Sovereignty — Minister
By Hajara Abdullahi
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on Friday stated that the US strikes in the northwestern state of Sokoto did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty because the Federal Government fully authorized the operation.
Tuggar made the clarification during an interview with CNN following the strikes, explaining that the operation was a joint, collaborative effort between Nigeria and the United States, approved at the highest level of government by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We collaborated on this attack. It was a collaborative effort between Nigeria and the US, and President Tinubu gave the go-ahead before it took place. We don’t see it as violating our sovereignty or territorial integrity, which is very important,” the minister said.
He added that Nigeria’s partnership with the US in combating terrorism is aimed at protecting lives and ensuring security, not driven by external pressure or religious considerations.
Tuggar emphasized that the Federal Government remains firmly in control of all decisions concerning its territory and security operations.
Speaking on the possibility of foreign troop deployment in Nigeria, the minister stressed that only Nigerian defense and security institutions can authorize such actions, not external forces.
“It is not about religion; it’s about the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians and our neighbors as well,” Tuggar stated.
The Foreign Minister further noted that Nigeria’s approach to counterterrorism focuses on practical results rather than abstract debates, emphasizing that the country’s priority is ending terrorist violence, not engaging in philosophical arguments.
