Congressional Inquiry into US Airstrikes in Nigeria
Members of the United States Congress have formally requested detailed explanations from the Pentagon regarding the US airstrikes conducted in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, as well as the broader American military presence in the country. The request comes amid growing concerns over the legality, effectiveness, and consequences of the strikes.
The United States President, Donald Trump, had announced on December 25 that US forces carried out strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria’s North-West region. The operation was reportedly executed in Sokoto State and was later confirmed by the Federal Government to be authorized without violating the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
However, on March 9, 2026, a letter addressed to US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, and obtained by our correspondent, revealed that lawmakers led by Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, and Congressman Jason Crow, demanded clarification on the operation. The letter was also copied to US Africa Command Chief, Dagvin Anderson, and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Key Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
The lawmakers sought detailed information about the Sokoto State strikes, including their legal basis, coordination with Nigerian authorities, intelligence sharing, and reports of possible civilian casualties and operational errors. They referenced public statements from the US administration describing the operation as “multiple flawless strikes” against “ISIS terrorist scum” targeting militants for “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
However, the lawmakers questioned the validity of these claims, noting that Nigerian and international experts have indicated there is currently no credible public evidence of a sustained or operational ISIS presence in Sokoto State.
The letter also cited reports alleging that “at least four of 16 missiles failed to detonate as intended or missed their intended targets by hundreds of miles,” with some striking farmland and residential buildings. Additionally, accounts of unexploded munitions being found in civilian areas with no known links to militant activity were raised.
Military Presence and Deployment
The congressional inquiry included 11 specific questions directed to the Department of Defence. One key focus was the legal authority under which the strikes were conducted. The lawmakers asked, “Under what legal authority did the United States undertake these strikes?” and questioned why the operations were not reported to Congress under Section 4(a)(1) of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
They also sought clarification on reports of missile failures and targeting errors. Specifically, they asked for the Pentagon’s assessment of “the reported failure of at least four Tomahawk missiles to hit their intended targets,” including strikes near Tambuwal and Ofa in Kwara State, and whether those incidents were due to “technical malfunction, targeting error, or other causes.”
Concerns about civilian harm were also raised, with the lawmakers requesting information on “civilian casualties or injuries resulting from US strikes,” particularly in areas near Jabo and Ofa, and how US Africa Command has engaged with affected communities.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The committee also requested a breakdown of the financial cost of the December 2025 operation and any subsequent strikes, including munitions, personnel, surveillance, and intelligence support. They asked, “What is the Department’s current estimate of the total financial cost of the December 25th airstrikes in Nigeria, and any other subsequent US strikes in Nigeria since then, including the munitions expended, platform and personnel costs, intelligence and surveillance support, and post-strike assessments?”
Additional questions addressed the impact of the strikes on regional security, the metrics used to evaluate their effectiveness, and the broader US strategy for addressing armed violence in Nigeria. The lawmakers also sought clarity on the reported troop deployment, asking, “What are the functions and objectives of the US military deployment to Nigeria, reported on February 3?” and why it would not trigger reporting requirements under the War Powers Resolution.
They also requested information on future operations, asking, “What is the Department’s current posture and plan for any future US strikes, or US-enabled strikes, in Nigeria?”
Deadline and Response
The lawmakers requested a response from the Department of Defence by March 20, 2026. Our correspondent could not ascertain whether the Pentagon has responded, as a thorough search for any official reply did not yield any results.
