December 25, 2025 | News
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that recent airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in the North-West were carried out through intelligence cooperation and security coordination with the United States, addressing growing public debate over foreign involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
In an official statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government disclosed that Nigeria is engaged in structured and lawful security partnerships with international allies, including the U.S., to confront the enduring threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the collaboration has enabled “precision hits” on terrorist camps through carefully planned air operations in the North-West, aimed at degrading the operational capacity of armed groups operating in the region.
The ministry emphasized that the cooperation is in line with international best practices and existing bilateral agreements, stressing that all actions are undertaken with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in compliance with 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 read. “This engagement has resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West.”
Ebienfa explained that the partnership focuses on intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and targeted support designed to minimize civilian harm while maximizing operational effectiveness against terrorist networks.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is anchored on the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the dignity and rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
“Terrorist violence in any form—whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or any other community—remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace and security,” he said.
The ministry further revealed that the U.S. coordination involved close engagement with Nigeria’s national security architecture, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, to identify and strike ISIS-linked and other extremist targets operating within Nigerian territory.
According to the statement, the Federal Government will continue working with global partners through established diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence and security institutions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will sustain engagement with relevant partners and keep the public duly informed through appropriate official channels,” the statement concluded.
— SUNTV Global Channel
