The Federal Government has acknowledged that recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West were conducted through intelligence collaboration and security cooperation with the United States, amid public concern over foreign involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed that Nigerian authorities are engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to confront what it described as the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the collaboration has resulted in “precision hits” on terrorist targets through airstrikes carried out in the North-West.
The ministry stressed that the cooperation aligns with established international practice and bilateral understandings, emphasizing intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in accordance with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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 said. “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the North-West.”
It added that such 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.”
Ebienfa stated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts remain guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless 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,” he said.
The spokesperson further noted that the Federal Government continues to work with international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” the statement concluded.