The Federal Government has reacted to the recent airstrikes carried out by the United States in Nigeria’s North-West region, confirming that the operation was conducted as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday night announced that American forces had executed what he described as a “deadly and perfect” operation against terrorists in Nigeria, boasting that the strikes were successful in a way “only the United States is capable of doing.”
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) later disclosed that the airstrikes were launched at the request of the Nigerian government.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was carried out within the framework of Nigeria’s security cooperation with international partners to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the action was aimed at protecting lives and weakening terrorist networks.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the collaboration led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” carried out in line with international law, bilateral agreements, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The government stressed that all counter-terrorism operations are guided by the need to protect civilians, preserve national unity, and uphold the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“Nigeria reiterates that 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 ministry added.
The Federal Government said it would continue to work with international partners through diplomatic and security channels to disrupt terrorist financing, logistics, and cross-border threats, while also strengthening Nigeria’s internal security and intelligence capacity.
The ministry assured that the public would be kept informed through appropriate official channels.