The Federal Government has confirmed that air strikes were carried out on terrorist targets in the North West region of the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria is currently engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
“The Ministry confirms that Nigerian authorities are engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“This cooperation has resulted in precision air strikes on terrorist targets in the North West,” Tuggar said.
He recalled that the U.S. government had earlier announced plans to provide additional support to Nigeria to enhance surveillance, security operations, and counter-terrorism efforts in the northern part of the country.
This followed President Donald Trump’s directive on Thursday authorising U.S. air strikes against ISIS militants operating in the North West of Nigeria.
The minister emphasised that the cooperation aligns with established practices and bilateral agreements between Nigeria and its partners.
According to him, this includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in line with international law, respect for national sovereignty, and a shared commitment to regional and global security.
“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.
“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,” Tuggar said.
He added that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
Tuggar assured that these efforts would also strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The ministry will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” he said.