The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria is maintaining active security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West., JomogNews Nigeria reports.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.” The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism. It explained that the partnership 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 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.
The ministry 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 remarks 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 that the Department of War had carried out “numerous perfect strikes.”
Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killings continued, stating that there would be “hell to pay” if the militants did not stop.
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was conducted with Nigeria’s cooperation, thanking the Nigerian government for its support and describing the US military as “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue working 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 continue to keep the public informed through official channels.
