The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed active security and intelligence collaboration with the United States following precision airstrikes against terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North West region.
In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, affirmed that this partnership has enabled targeted air attacks on terrorist camps. The collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and applicable international laws.
“Nigeria remains deeply engaged in structured security cooperation with global partners such as the United States to effectively tackle terrorism and violent extremism,” the ministry stated.
The government reiterated its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts that prioritize protecting civilian lives, preserving national unity, and respecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity. The statement condemned terrorist violence targeting any community as a violation of Nigeria’s core values and a threat to international peace.
The announcement came after US President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the airstrikes against Islamic State militants operating in Northwestern Nigeria. Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” emphasizing their purpose was to halt the targeted killing of innocent Christians.
“If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also highlighted the partnership, expressing gratitude for the Nigerian government’s support and underscoring the readiness of US forces to continue their assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Nigerians that the government would persist in working through established diplomatic and security mechanisms to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their financing and logistics, and thwart cross-border threats.
The airstrikes follow a tragic bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed five lives and wounded many others in what officials suspect was a suicide attack.
The ministry pledged to keep the public updated via official channels as the situation evolves.
