The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the recent joint air strikes carried out by Nigerian and United States military forces against Islamic State (ISIS) elements in North-West Nigeria were conducted with the approval of appropriate Federal Government authorities.
Naijaonpoint reports that this was disclosed on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement titled “Armed Forces of Nigeria in Conjunction with the United States Conducts Precision Strikes Against Foreign ISIS Elements in North-West Nigeria.”
Major General Uba said the operation formed part of ongoing coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal groups posing serious threats to Nigeria’s national security.
According to him, the strikes were executed based on credible intelligence and followed detailed operational planning designed to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of the targeted terrorist elements while minimising collateral damage.
The defence spokesman noted that the joint operation shows the resolve of the Federal Government, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within the country.
He stressed that the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing evolving security threats through coordinated and lawful military action.
The DDI reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Una added that the military will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the nation.
The statement added: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and to supporting joint and inter-agency efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across all parts of the country.”
The strikes come after weeks of increasingly sharp warnings from the U.S. administration, which had accused ISIS and related extremists of a surge in violent attacks against Christians in Nigeria’s north, especially in Sokoto State near the Niger border.
White House officials have repeatedly said the violence against Christians reached levels “not seen for many years… and even centuries.”
In early November, US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” if Nigeria’s government did not do more to protect persecuted religious communities.