25th December, 2025
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged a coordinated security partnership with the United States that resulted in precision airstrikes targeting ISIS terrorist cells in the country’s North West region.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, released an official statement on Friday confirming that Nigerian authorities maintain structured security cooperation with Washington to combat terrorism and violent extremism threatening the nation.
According to the statement, the strikes killed multiple terrorists at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto state, which shares a border with Niger Republic. The operation involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and tactical support within the framework of international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated, emphasizing that counter-terrorism efforts prioritize civilian protection, national unity and citizens’ rights regardless of faith or ethnicity.
The ministry stressed that terrorist violence against any community, whether Christians, Muslims or others, contradicts Nigeria’s values and threatens international peace and security.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had ordered deadly strikes on Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed ISIS militants had been targeting innocent Christians and warned of further action if attacks continued.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigerian government support and cooperation, confirming the operation was conducted jointly.
Daniel Bwala, special advisor to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, stated that the US and Nigeria are aligned in the fight against terrorism.
The airstrikes occurred one day after a bombing at a Maiduguri mosque in Borno State claimed five lives and injured dozens, an incident authorities believe was a suicide attack.
Nigeria has continued assuring international partners of its commitment to weakening terrorist networks, disrupting their financing and preventing cross-border security threats through established diplomatic and security channels.