The Nigerian Federal Government has officially confirmed that the United States military conducted targeted airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in the country’s North West region on Thursday.
The confirmation, issued through a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, characterizes the operation as a result of “structured security cooperation and intelligence collaboration” between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the Ministry, the strikes were surgical in nature, specifically targeting criminal hideouts and neutralizing threats within the region.
A Unified Response to Extremism
In its official release, the government emphasized that the operation aligns with international law and mutual respect for national sovereignty.
”Cooperation between Nigeria and the US has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the statement read. The Ministry added that this partnership includes strategic coordination and the exchange of intelligence aimed at safeguarding regional and global security.
The Federal Government issued a stern warning that there will no longer be “a place for violent extremists and terrorists” in any part of Nigeria, describing their activities as an affront to the nation’s values and international peace.
Washington Cites Protection of Civilians
The news follows a Thursday night announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed that American forces had carried out “deadly” and successful military strikes in the region.
The U.S. Department of War further corroborated the engagement, suggesting that the strikes were a necessary response to the persistent targeting and killing of innocent Christians and the mass displacement of local communities.
The Department also issued a warning that further airstrikes could follow if the violence does not cease.
Focus on Human Rights and Unity
Responding to concerns regarding the nature of the conflict, the Nigerian government reiterated that its counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the “primacy of protecting civilian lives” and upholding the dignity of all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
”Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values,” the Ministry stated.
The Nigerian government says it continues to work closely with international partners to weaken terrorist logistics, disrupt financing, and strengthen the nation’s own intelligence capabilities through established diplomatic channels.
