The Federal Government of Nigeria says that the country is currently engaged in coordinated security and intelligence collaboration with the United States.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday following recent air strikes against terrorist positions in the country’s north-west.
Ebienfa said that the Nigerian authorities rema ii jin in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry explained that the collaboration has resulted in precise aerial strikes on identified terrorist locations, backed by intelligence sharing, joint coordination and other lawful support frameworks consistent with international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The statement stressed that “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.”
It added that terrorist violence, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The ministry also said Nigeria would keep engaging partners through diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, cut off their funding streams, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen national security institutions.
The ministry assured that Nigerians would continue to receive updates through authorised official platforms as developments unfold.
Recall that the US President Donald Trump had announced that American forces executed deadly attacks on ISIS fighters in northwestern Nigeria.
Trump confirmed the offensive in a Truth Social post, describing the operation as “powerful and deadly”
The US President also warned that the strikes would continue if attacks on Christians persisted, adding, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, also said Washington acted in collaboration with Abuja, writing, “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” while noting that the Department of War was “always ready.”