The Federal Government has confirmed that it had prior knowledge of, and was involved in security coordination surrounding, recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria maintains an ongoing and structured security partnership with key international allies, including the United States, focused on combating terrorism and violent extremism that threaten national and regional stability.
The clarification followed an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out targeted military operations against terrorist elements in Nigeria. Nigerian authorities subsequently explained that the action involved precision airstrikes on identified terrorist strongholds in the North-West.
According to the Ministry, such cooperation with foreign partners is anchored on intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other lawful forms of security support, all conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in line with international law.
The government stressed that all counter-terrorism operations are guided by the imperative to protect civilian lives, preserve national unity and uphold the rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
It reaffirmed that terrorism in any form remains unacceptable and poses a grave threat to both national and global peace.
Authorities added that sustained efforts are underway to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen Nigeria’s security and intelligence capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that Nigeria will continue to engage its international partners on security cooperation and keep the public informed through official communication channels.
