The administration of President Bola Tinubu has officially responded to reports of United States military action on Nigerian soil, confirming a coordinated security operation against terrorist targets in the country's North-west region.
Federal Government Acknowledges Joint Operation
In a significant statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja broke its silence regarding the incident. The government confirmed that the operation was conducted as part of an ongoing, structured security and intelligence collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
The ministry, communicating via its official X platform, detailed that this partnership has enabled precision strikes against terrorist enclaves. This action is framed within broader, sustained efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism threatening national stability.
The statement read: "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."
It further clarified that the cooperation encompasses intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of lawful support, all conducted with respect for international norms and Nigeria's sovereignty.
Civilian Protection and Human Rights Paramount
A core element of the government's statement was a firm emphasis on the rules of engagement. The Federal Government stressed that all counter-terrorism measures are strictly guided by the imperative to protect non-combatants and uphold human rights.
"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," the ministry asserted.
It condemned terrorist violence targeting any religious or ethnic group, labeling such acts "an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security." This underscores the government's public commitment to a unified national response.
Trump's Announcement and AFRICOM Confirmation
The Nigerian statement followed a public announcement by United States President Donald Trump. On his Truth Social platform, President Trump described the American-led action as a "powerful and deadly strike" against ISIS-linked militants operating in Nigeria's north-west, including areas of Sokoto State.
Trump claimed the militants had been targeting civilians, particularly Christian communities, and warned of further action if attacks persisted. He stated the operation was executed under his authority as Commander-in-Chief.
Subsequently, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) provided official context, confirming that the airstrikes were conducted at the formal request of Nigerian authorities. The military objective was to degrade the operational capacity of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS affiliate active in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded by affirming Nigeria's continued commitment to working with international partners through established diplomatic and security channels. The goals are to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats while strengthening domestic security institutions.
The government assured citizens that it would continue to provide updates through official channels as the multifaceted campaign against terrorism progresses.
