FG confirms US airstrikes on terrorists, cites intelligence cooperation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Photo: State House

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The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes that hit terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North West.

“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

The ministry said the collaboration, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security commitments.

“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.

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 comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued, saying, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”

In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.

“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote, adding 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 weaken 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 keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.

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