The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria is working closely with the United States on security and intelligence matters following recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in the country’s North-West.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was part of ongoing, structured security cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners, including the United States, aimed at tackling terrorism and violent extremism. The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support carried out in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security responsibilities. It noted that this cooperation led to precision airstrikes on identified terrorist targets in the North-West.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said.
The ministry stressed that terrorist violence, whether targeted at Christians, Muslims or any other group, runs contrary to Nigeria’s values and poses a threat to both national and global peace and security.
The clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who announced on Thursday that U.S. forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State fighters in Northwestern Nigeria. Trump said the strikes were ordered by him and warned that more attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued.
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U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation, thanking the Nigerian government for its support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to engage its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came a day after a deadly explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed five lives and left many others injured in a suspected suicide attack.
The ministry assured Nigerians that further updates would be provided through official channels as necessary.
