The Armed Forces of Nigeria have described the recent airstrikes in the North West as a clear sign of the Federal Government’s determination to tackle terrorism, carried out in cooperation with the United States.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the operation was based on credible intelligence and carefully planned to weaken terrorist networks while avoiding harm to civilians.
According to Uba, the precision strikes targeted foreign, ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria and were conducted with the approval of the appropriate authorities as part of ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal groups.
He explained that the operation highlights Nigeria’s commitment, alongside strategic international partners, to confronting transnational terrorism and preventing foreign fighters from establishing a foothold in the country.
Uba also reassured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that joint, inter-agency and international collaborations remain key to restoring lasting peace and security nationwide.
Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria maintains structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
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In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support carried out in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The ministry added that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are focused on protecting civilians, preserving national unity and upholding the rights of all citizens, noting that terrorist violence against any religious or ethnic group goes against Nigeria’s values and global peace efforts.
The statements followed remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who said U.S. forces carried out strikes against Islamic State terrorists in North West Nigeria, with the cooperation of the Nigerian government. The strikes also come amid renewed security concerns following a recent bomb attack in Maiduguri, Borno State, that claimed several lives.
