Northern Coalition Slams US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Calls It Assault on Sovereignty

Northern Coalition Slams US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Calls It Assault on Sovereignty

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, describing the action as a grave violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for the country’s security architecture.

Speaking with Saturday Sun, the Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Jaliu Aliu Charanchi, said no self-respecting nation should allow foreign military forces to operate freely and carry out bombing missions on its territory.

According to him, the airstrikes represent “a direct assault on our sovereignty, a clear signal of leadership failure, and a dangerous precedent,” warning that while terrorists must be defeated, it must not come “at the expense of Nigerian lives, dignity, and control over national security.”

Charanchi cautioned that foreign airstrikes could lead to civilian casualties, deepen public resentment, and expose Nigeria to the influence of external geopolitical interests, stressing that the country risks becoming a testing ground for foreign powers.

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He argued that rather than relying on external forces, Nigeria should focus on strengthening intelligence gathering, rebuilding trust with local communities, and properly equipping its armed forces to tackle terrorism independently.

Reacting to claims that the strikes were aimed at protecting Christian communities, the coalition warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, insisting that Nigeria’s security crisis must not be framed along religious lines.

“When foreign powers claim they are here to ‘protect Christians,’ Nigerians must be alert,” Charanchi said, noting that such narratives could dangerously polarise the country.

He stressed that Nigeria’s crisis is not Islam versus Christianity, but rather impunity versus justice and privilege versus accountability, warning that a religious framing of the conflict could spark widespread violence beyond conflict zones.

Charanchi further referenced countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria, arguing that foreign military intervention often leaves nations destabilised long after external forces withdraw.

“Foreign soldiers will not fix what cowardice created,” he said, urging Nigerian leaders to take responsibility for safeguarding the country’s security and unity.

Northern Coalition Slams US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Calls It Assault on Sovereignty