The Armed Forces of Nigeria has said that the recent airstrikes carried out in the North West demonstrate the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism, in collaboration with the United States.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, explaining that the operation was based on credible intelligence and carefully planned to weaken terrorist groups while minimising collateral damage.
According to Uba, the airstrikes were conducted with the approval of the appropriate authorities and form part of sustained military efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the strikes followed detailed intelligence assessments and meticulous operational planning. “The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage,” Uba stated.
The defence spokesman said the operation underscores the Federal Government’s determination, working alongside strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding a foothold within Nigeria.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.
Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting lives and property across the country, stressing that the military remains focused on restoring peace and stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country,” he added.
The military’s statement came hours after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support. It stressed that such cooperation is conducted in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security commitments.
The ministry also emphasised that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, safeguard national unity and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. It noted that terrorist violence against any religious or ethnic group remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
The statements followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in north-western Nigeria. In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Nigerian government, thanking Abuja for its support.
The airstrikes occurred against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges, coming a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured dozens. Authorities suspect the incident was a suicide bombing, highlighting the continued threat posed by terrorist groups in different parts of the country.
