FG confirms US terror airstrikes
By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal Government has acknowledged that recent airstrikes on terrorist positions in Nigeria’s North West were carried out through joint security and intelligence cooperation with the United States.
Authorities said the operation was based on shared intelligence and coordinated planning between both countries, resulting in targeted strikes against terrorist elements in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the action formed part of ongoing international collaboration aimed at tackling terrorism while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international legal standards.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said Nigeria continues to maintain “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address threats posed by violent extremist groups.
The ministry explained that the partnership includes intelligence sharing, operational coordination and other support designed to degrade terrorist networks across the country.
“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 stressed that terrorism, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The statement followed comments by US President Donald Trump, who said American forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State terrorists operating 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,” he said, adding that further action would follow if attacks continued.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” he wrote.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria will continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist groups, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border security threats.
The development came shortly after a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which left five people dead and several others injured.