Nigeria breaks silence on U.S.-backed airstrikes against terrorists in North West

Nigeria has confirmed that its ongoing security and intelligence partnership with the United States played a key role in recent precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North West, as authorities intensify efforts to curb violent extremism across the country.

NATIONAL ACCORD reports that US President Donald J. Trump, in a statement released Thursday on his Truth Social, confirmed that the United States, under his direction as Commander in Chief, conducted “a powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS-affiliated terrorists in northwest Nigeria.

Reacting in a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains actively engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, stressing that such collaboration is vital in confronting terrorism and safeguarding national security.

“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 air strikes in the North West.”

According to the ministry, the cooperation aligns with global best practices and existing bilateral agreements, and involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support rooted in international law and respect for national sovereignty.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this 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,” it added.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed that civilian protection remains at the heart of all counter-terrorism operations, insisting that no community or faith is singled out in the fight against terror.

“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,” the ministry said.

“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 statement, further, disclosed that Nigeria is working closely with its allies to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while simultaneously strengthening domestic security and intelligence institutions.

“The Federal Government continues 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, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities,” it noted.

The ministry assured Nigerians that engagement with international partners will continue and pledged to keep the public updated through official channels.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”