Nigeria has formally confirmed that recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in the country’s North West were carried out under structured security and intelligence cooperation with the United States, marking a significant escalation in bilateral counterterrorism engagement.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerian authorities remain actively engaged with international partners, including the United States, to confront the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry stated that the cooperation had resulted in precision airstrikes against terrorist targets, carried out in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings.
Intelligence Sharing and Strategic Coordination
According to the statement, the Nigeria–US partnership extends beyond kinetic military action and includes intelligence exchange, strategic coordination, and other forms of security support, conducted in accordance with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“These efforts reflect shared commitments to regional and global security,” the ministry said, stressing that the collaboration is designed to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The confirmation follows earlier reports that US forces conducted airstrikes at the request of Nigerian authorities against Islamic State-linked militants operating in the North West.
Emphasis on Civilian Protection and National Unity
The Foreign Affairs Ministry was explicit in distancing Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign from religious framing, emphasising that terrorist violence affects all communities.
“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 terrorism directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities alike remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security—language that appears designed to counter sectarian interpretations of the conflict.
Strengthening Domestic Security Capacity
Beyond immediate military action, the government said it is working with partners through established diplomatic and security channels to strengthen Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities, signalling that foreign assistance is intended to complement—not replace—domestic reforms.
The ministry said it would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
