The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism, following recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West.
This was disclosed in a press release issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which explained that the air operations were the outcome of sustained intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between Nigeria and its partners.
According to the Ministry, the collaboration has resulted in precision airstrikes against identified terrorist locations in the North West, carried out in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings.
“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.
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It added that the cooperation involves intelligence exchange, strategic coordination, and other forms of support, while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and the principles of international law.
The government reiterated that the protection of civilians remains at the core of all counter-terrorism efforts.
“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 stated.
It further stressed that terrorist violence against any group is unacceptable, noting that attacks targeting Christians, Muslims, or any other communities are an affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace and security.
The Ministry also disclosed that Nigeria continues to work closely with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their sources of funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen national security and intelligence capacity.
The confirmation comes amid reports that the United States plans to provide additional support to northern states to enhance surveillance, security operations, and counter-terrorism efforts following the recent military action.
Reports further indicate that the airstrikes followed an order by United States President Donald Trump on Christmas night, authorising military action against ISIS elements operating in North West Nigeria, whom he accused of carrying out deadly attacks against Christian communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that the Federal Government would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.