The Federal Government has confirmed continued security and intelligence collaboration between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West.
“This cooperation has resulted in precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North West,” the government said.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria remains engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the ministry, the collaboration that led to the airstrikes involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, conducted in line with international law, with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security responsibilities.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the priority of protecting civilian lives, preserving national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said.
It added that terrorist violence, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that American forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in North Western Nigeria.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in North West 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 had carried out “numerous perfect strikes,” warning that more attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued.
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action was taken with Nigeria’s cooperation, expressing gratitude for the support of the Nigerian government and noting that the Department of War was “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to degrade terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.
The ministry said it would continue to keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
