The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria is maintaining active intelligence and security collaboration with the United States after recent airstrikes struck terrorist positions in the North West region of the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the partnership with the U.S. and other international allies has resulted in carefully targeted aerial operations against terrorist groups operating in the area.
The ministry explained that Nigeria remains involved in organised security cooperation with its partners, stressing that the joint efforts focus on intelligence sharing, operational coordination and other forms of support carried out in accordance with international law, respect for national sovereignty and shared security responsibilities.
According to the statement, all counter-terrorism actions are guided by the need to protect civilians, preserve national unity and uphold the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Ebienfa added that acts of terrorism against any group — Christians, Muslims or other communities — contradict Nigeria’s core values and threaten both national stability and global peace.
The statement followed comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced on social media that American forces had conducted lethal airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in northwestern Nigeria.
Trump claimed the operation was ordered under his authority as Commander-in-Chief and accused the group of carrying out violent attacks mainly against innocent Christians. He also stated that the U.S. Department of Defense carried out what he described as precise and effective strikes.
He further warned that additional military action would follow if attacks against Christians continued.
In a separate social media post, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the strikes were carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation, thanking the Nigerian government for its support and noting that U.S. forces remained prepared.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that Nigeria will continue working closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security frameworks to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and supply chains, and address cross-border security threats.
The airstrikes came a day after an explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and left dozens injured. Authorities believe the incident was a suicide bombing.
The ministry assured Nigerians that further updates would be communicated through official and appropriate channels.
