Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has raised significant questions about the legal basis for recent United States military action on Nigerian soil. In an interview with Sky News, Bwala described the US airstrikes launched against ISIS-linked terrorists in Sokoto State as "sketchy," casting doubt on the operation's specific authorization.
Jurisdictional Power vs. Congressional Authorization
While acknowledging America's broad jurisdictional power to combat ISIS globally, Bwala highlighted a potential legal gap concerning operations within Nigeria. He pointed out that the US government may lack specific authorization from its Congress to engage terrorist organizations officially designated as such within Nigeria's borders.
"I'm sure that the American government has jurisdictional power over operations against ISIS and their ancillaries around the world. They may not have specific authorization by Congress to fight terrorist organizations that are designated as such in Nigeria," Bwala stated during the interview on 27 December 2025.
Background: Evolving Terrorist Threat and International Concern
The airstrikes occur against a complex backdrop of prolonged insecurity in Nigeria, which began escalating around 2009. Initially dominated by Boko Haram, the terrorist landscape has since fragmented and expanded to include groups like Ansaru, ISWAP (Islamic State's West Africa Province), and Lakurawa, some of which have forged links with the global ISIS network.
These groups have frequently targeted Christian communities and churches. In October, allegations of an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria gained international traction. This prompted former US President Donald Trump to express concern that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in the West African nation, leading to the US redesignating Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern." Trump had previously threatened military intervention if Nigeria failed to address the crisis.
Unclear Outcomes and Awaiting Intelligence
The US airstrikes conducted on Thursday targeted terrorists affiliated with ISIS in Sokoto. However, at the time of reporting, no official figures have been released regarding the number of assailants killed or captured during the operation.
Bwala indicated that clarity on the strike's precise targets is still forthcoming. He noted that both Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated groups are considered terrorists by the Nigerian state, but specifics are needed.
"Both Boko Haram [and ISIS] have been designated as a terrorist organisation. Therefore, we consider them all as part of the act of terrorism against the state. So I believe that's the understanding that the American government had. But this is sketchy, right? In coming days or hours, we're going to have more intelligence and a report about exact targets—whether it were members of ISIS or Boko Haram or bandits. Whether they are all terrorists," Bwala explained.
The situation remains fluid, with the Nigerian public and international observers awaiting detailed reports to understand the full scope, legality, and impact of this foreign military intervention on Nigerian territory.
