By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria is working closely with the United States on security and intelligence operations following airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West.
The government said the strikes were carried out through ongoing intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between both countries as part of efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the cooperation led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said Nigeria remains engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to improve national security.
The ministry explained that the partnership covers intelligence exchange, coordinated planning and other forms of support aimed at weakening terrorist groups operating in 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 added that terrorist attacks, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The confirmation followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said American forces carried out strikes against Islamic State fighters 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.
Trump also warned of further action if attacks continued, saying, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were carried out with Nigeria’s backing.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” he wrote.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria will continue working with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to disrupt terrorist networks, cut off their funding and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came a day after a deadly bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and left dozens injured in what authorities believe was a suicide attack.