The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed that it remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism, following recent air strikes on terrorist targets in North West Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the military action was the outcome of sustained intelligence collaboration and strategic coordination with Nigeria’s partners.
According to the statement, the cooperation has enabled precision air strikes against terrorist locations in the North West, carried out in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings.
The statement noted that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support, while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that, “In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.”
The government stressed that the protection of civilians remains central to all counter-terrorism operations.
“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, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement added.
It further emphasized that terrorist violence against any group is unacceptable, describing such acts as an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
The ministry also said Nigeria will continue to work with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen national security and intelligence capacity.
It assured that the Federal Government would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.
The confirmation comes amid reports that the United States plans to provide additional support to northern states to enhance surveillance, security operations, and counter-terrorism efforts following the recent military action.
It could be recalled that on Christmas night, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered air strikes against ISIS militants operating in North West Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out deadly attacks against Christians.
