The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that it is maintaining structured security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following recent airstrikes that hit terrorist targets in the country’s North West region.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration forms part of Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy and is conducted within the framework of international law and respect for national sovereignty. The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the partnership with international allies, including the United States, involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support aimed at degrading terrorist networks and reducing violent extremism across the country. These efforts, it said, led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West”.
The ministry stressed that Nigeria remains committed to ensuring that all counter-terrorism operations prioritise the protection of civilians and the preservation of national unity. “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 in any form remains unacceptable, noting that attacks on civilians—whether Christians, Muslims or members of other communities—are a direct assault on Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace and security.
The clarification follows comments made on Thursday by United States President Donald Trump, who claimed that US forces had carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in north-western Nigeria. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation targeted extremists responsible for killing civilians, particularly Christians, and warned of further action should such violence continue.
In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government, thanking Abuja for its support and coordination.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry did not directly address the language used by US officials but emphasised that cooperation with foreign partners is channelled through established diplomatic and security mechanisms. It said Nigeria would continue to work with allies to weaken terrorist groups, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes came amid heightened security concerns following a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed at least five people and injured several others. Authorities suspect the incident was a suicide bombing, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
The ministry assured the public that it would continue to provide updates on security developments through official channels as efforts to restore peace and stability continue.
