The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the US following airstrikes that hit ISIS terrorist targets in Nigeria.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the Northwest.”
In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
The ministry stated that the collaboration, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said.
It added that terrorist attacks, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remain an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that US soldiers had conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Trump warned that if Christians were killed, there would be more attacks, adding, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
In a separate social media post, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth said, adding that the Department of War was “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria will continue to collaborate with its allies through established diplomatic and security channels to undermine terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The attacks happened a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured scores.
Authorities say it was a suicide bomber. The ministry will keep the public informed through official channels.
