The Federal Government has officially responded to the United States airstrikes carried out in Nigeria’s North West, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and violent extremism.
US President Donald Trump had announced on Thursday night that American forces executed what he described as “deadly and precise” strikes against terrorist targets in the region.
Africa Command (AFRICOM), which oversees US military operations on the continent, disclosed that the airstrikes were conducted at Nigeria’s request.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address persistent security threats.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security commitments.
According to the statement, the cooperation resulted in precision airstrikes targeting terrorist elements in the North West, aimed at protecting lives and weakening extremist networks.
The Federal Government stressed that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilians, preserve national unity and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
It added that acts of terrorism, whether against Christians, Muslims or other communities, remain an affront to Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace and security.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to disrupt terrorist financing, logistics and cross-border operations, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security and intelligence capacity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
