Presdent Ahmed Tinubu
The Federal Government has confirmed that precision United States airstrikes have hit terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, following sustained intelligence and security cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
In a statement issued on Friday and obtained by Frontline Reporters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the strikes were the outcome of structured collaboration between Nigeria and its international partners, particularly the United States, aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating within the country.
The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the cooperation spans intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other lawful security support mechanisms.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry stated.
According to the ministry, all such counter-terrorism operations are carried out in line with international law, with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared global security obligations.
It stressed that the overriding objective of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy remains the protection of civilian lives, preservation of national unity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“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 added.
The confirmation follows dramatic comments by United States President Donald Trump, who on Thursday announced that American forces had carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation targeted ISIS elements allegedly responsible for killing innocent civilians.
“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 wrote.
Trump further warned that more attacks would follow if the killings continued, declaring that there would be “hell to pay” should terrorist violence persist.
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote, adding that the US Department of War was “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Nigeria would continue to engage its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist cells, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came barely a day after a deadly bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five worshippers and left dozens injured in what security agencies suspect was a suicide bombing.
The federal government assured Nigerians that it would continue to provide updates on security developments through appropriate official channels, as efforts intensify to bring terrorism and violent extremism to an end.
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2025-12-26
