The Federal Government has reacted to recent United States military airstrikes targeting terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North West region.
The government confirmed that Nigeria remains actively engaged with international partners to tackle terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
In an official response issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the airstrikes were part of an ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and its allies, including the United States.
According to the government, the action followed sustained intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at degrading terrorist networks threatening national and regional stability.
The Ministry explained that the cooperation aligns with existing bilateral agreements and international standards. It stressed that such engagements are carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in line with international law.
The government noted that intelligence-driven operations have contributed to targeted actions against terrorist enclaves in the North West.
In the statement, the Ministry said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.”
It added that, “In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.”
The Federal Government also emphasized that the safety of civilians remains a top priority in all counter-terrorism operations. It said every action taken against terrorist groups is guided by the need to protect innocent lives, preserve national unity, and uphold the rights of all Nigerians.
The Ministry further stated, “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.”
Addressing concerns over religious targeting, the government condemned all forms of extremist violence, regardless of who is affected. It described attacks on any community as unacceptable and contrary to Nigeria’s values and global peace efforts.
According to the Ministry, “Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The statement also revealed that Nigeria is deepening cooperation with its partners to weaken terrorist cells, disrupt funding channels, and prevent cross-border movements of armed groups. It added that efforts are ongoing to strengthen local intelligence capacity and national security operations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Nigerians that it would continue to engage relevant international partners and provide updates through official channels as necessary.
This development comes amid reports that the United States plans to provide additional security support to northern Nigeria, including enhanced surveillance and counter-terrorism assistance, following the recent military action.
The airstrikes reportedly followed an order by U.S. President Donald Trump on Christmas night, directing American forces to target ISIS elements operating in North West Nigeria over allegations of deadly attacks against Christian communities.