The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria and the United States are working closely on security and intelligence cooperation following recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in North West Nigeria.
The confirmation came in a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. According to the ministry, Nigeria remains engaged in structured security collaboration with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry explained that the cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support that led to what it described as precision airstrikes on terrorist locations in the North West. It stressed that all engagements are carried out in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.
The government reiterated that its counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, preserve national unity, and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. It added that terrorist violence against any group, whether Christians, Muslims, or other communities, is unacceptable and poses a threat to Nigeria’s values and global peace.
The statement followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who announced on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists operating in North West Nigeria. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the strikes targeted ISIS elements he accused of killing innocent civilians, particularly Christians.
Trump described the operation as a powerful and decisive action carried out on his orders as Commander in Chief. He warned that further strikes would follow if attacks on civilians continued, saying there would be serious consequences for terrorist groups.
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Nigerian government. He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support, noting that the US military remains ready to act against terrorist threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border security threats.
The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and left dozens injured in what authorities believe was a suicide bombing.
