Nigeria’s Armed Forces have described the recent airstrikes on terrorist positions in the North West as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to confront terrorism through international collaboration.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated this on Friday in Abuja, explaining that the operation was carried out jointly with the United States following credible intelligence.
Uba said the precision strikes were approved by the appropriate authorities and formed part of sustained military efforts to weaken terrorist networks and other criminal elements threatening national security.
According to him, the operation targeted identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of the North West, with emphasis placed on careful planning to reduce the risk of collateral damage.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the action underscored Nigeria’s commitment, alongside strategic international partners, to counter transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining or expanding footholds within the country.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and deny foreign fighters any safe haven within our borders,” Uba said.
The defence spokesman reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain focused on safeguarding lives and property across the country, while supporting joint, inter-agency and international initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and security.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria continues to engage in structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration covers intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support conducted in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security obligations.
The ministry stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, preservation of national unity and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, noting that terrorist violence against any group remains an affront to national values and global peace.
The clarification followed remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that American forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.
In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support.
