The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North West.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration has resulted in “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
According to the ministry, the partnership involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, carried out in line with international law and with full 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 stressed that terrorist violence, whether targeted at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s core values as well as to international peace and security.
The government’s clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who disclosed on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists operating in Northwestern Nigeria.
In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed Washington’s cooperation with Nigerian authorities, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s support and describing the US Department of War as “always ready.”
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Nigeria would continue to work closely with its international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came barely a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed five lives and left dozens injured in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing, further underscoring the growing security challenges facing the country.