FG Confirms US Airstrikes on Terrorist Targets, Cites Intelligence Cooperation

 

The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes that struck terrorist targets in the North West.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said Nigeria remains engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

According to the ministry, the collaboration led to precision airstrikes on terrorist locations in the North West and involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, all carried out in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security obligations.

“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 violence, whether against Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains a direct assault on Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace and security.

The clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces carried out deadly 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 that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” and warned that further action would follow if attacks on Christians continued.

In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation, thanking the Nigerian government for its support and describing the US military as “always ready.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria would continue to work with its international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.

The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured dozens. Authorities suspect the incident was a suicide bombing.

The ministry assured that the public would be kept informed through appropriate official channels.

ADEOLA KUNLE