The Federal Government has reiterated that Nigeria maintains an active security and intelligence partnership with the United States in the wake of recent airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts in the North-West region of the country.
In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration with international partners, including the US, remains robust and structured to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
According to the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the partnership includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and lawful operations conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. “The collaboration has led to precision airstrikes against terrorist strongholds in the North-West, demonstrating collective efforts to weaken extremist networks,” the statement said.
The ministry emphasized that all counter-terrorism operations prioritise the safety of civilians, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. “Terrorist violence, whether against Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement added.
The clarification follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who announced on his Truth Social platform that American forces had executed deadly strikes against Islamic State militants in Northwestern Nigeria. Trump warned that further attacks would follow if extremists continued targeting Christians.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operations were carried out in cooperation with the Nigerian government and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support in the joint effort.
The airstrikes were launched in Sokoto State and focused on known hideouts of ISIS operatives, occurring shortly after a suspected suicide bombing at Al Adum Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured over thirty others during Maghrib prayers.
The Nigerian government remains committed to working with international partners to disrupt terrorist financing, logistics, and cross-border threats while ensuring civilian protection,” the ministry said.
The government assured Nigerians that security operations would continue unabated and that further updates would be communicated through official channels, while also emphasizing the need for public vigilance and cooperation with security agencies to sustain peace and safety nationwide.
