The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing intelligence and security collaboration with the United States following airstrikes that targeted terrorist positions in Nigeria’s North West region.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the partnership with international allies, including the U.S., has resulted in precise aerial strikes on terrorist locations.
The ministry explained that the cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic planning, and other forms of support conducted in accordance with international law, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared global security commitments.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism operations are guided by the priority of protecting civilian lives, maintaining national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” the statement said. It added that terrorist violence, whether aimed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains a violation of Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace.
The statement followed comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced on social media that American forces had conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State militants 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. He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Trump warned that additional action would follow if attacks on Christians continued. In a separate post, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the strikes were carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation, expressing gratitude for the support and stating that the Department of War is “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria will continue to engage with international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes occurred a day after a bomb exploded at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing five people and injuring dozens in what authorities believe was a suicide attack.
The ministry assured the public that updates on security developments would be communicated through official channels.
