The Defence Headquarters on Friday said the recent airstrikes carried out in the North West underscore the Federal Government’s firm determination to confront terrorism, through cooperation with the United States.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major-General Samaila Uba, explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and designed to weaken the operational strength of terrorist elements while limiting collateral damage.
Uba said the strikes were executed with the approval of the relevant authorities as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorists and other criminal groups posing threats to national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” Uba stated.
According to him, the operation highlighted the resolve of the Federal Government, working alongside strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and stop foreign fighters from establishing or expanding their presence within Nigeria.
“The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.
The defence spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country,” Uba added.
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, in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the collaboration covers intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of assistance consistent with international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared security objectives.
Ebienfa stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the priority of protecting civilian lives, preserving national unity, and upholding the rights of all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity. He added that terrorist violence against any religious or ethnic group contradicts Nigeria’s values and threatens international peace.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s statement came after comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that U.S. forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria.
What you should know
The Defence Headquarters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly emphasising that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy relies on intelligence-driven operations and cooperation with international partners, particularly the United States.
Officials insist the airstrikes were carefully planned to weaken ISIS-linked fighters without harming civilians.
The government maintains that such collaborations respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and are aimed at preventing foreign terrorist groups from gaining ground, while reinforcing national security and long-term stability across affected regions.
