After US–Nigeria Strikes On Terrorists, Coalition Demands Relief For Affected Civilians

About 88 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called for immediate steps to address the  harms suffered by civilians in the US-Nigeria strike on terrorists in Sokoto State.

According to the group, transparent investigations, public disclosure of findings, prompt assistance to affected communities, and adequate compensation should be provided where damage has occurred.

It said, We emphasise the urgent need to address the harms suffered by civilians as a result of the strike action”.

The civil society groups, including Amnesty International Nigeria, CLEEN Foundation, Yiaga Africa, and the Kukah Centre, made the demand in a joint press statement released yesterday, titled “Where is the President?”

The groups, operating under the banner of Nigerian Joint Civil Society Action, criticised the President’s approval of foreign military intervention to address what they termed an “internal security challenge.”

They argued that this action undermined Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional order while also questioning the silence and absence of the country’s political and military leadership in the aftermath.

The group stated, “The authorisation of a foreign military to conduct strikes within Nigerian territory without any public explanation of the necessity or legal basis for such action, coupled with the continued silence of the President, the Service Chiefs, and the National Assembly in the face of these grave developments, is wholly unacceptable.

“If the President and his security leadership have concluded that they lack the capacity to manage Nigeria’s internal security challenges and would rather cede such authority to a foreign power, then constitutional responsibility and democratic integrity demand that they resign.

“Nigerians deserve accountable leadership and security rooted in sovereignty, the rule of law, and respect for human life,” they maintained.

The coalition pointed out a “dual crisis of leadership and security,” emphasising that Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar was the only public figure explaining the strikes.

They argued this situation jeopardises’ national sovereignty and democratic accountability.