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FG Reacts to U.S.-Led Airstrikes in Sokoto
The Federal Government has reacted to the recent United States–led airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, particularly in parts of Sokoto State, clarifying that the operation was carried out within the framework of established security cooperation and intelligence collaboration between Nigeria and its international partners.
In a press release issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed that Nigerian authorities remain actively engaged in structured counter-terrorism cooperation with countries such as the United States to address the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups operating within and across Nigeria’s borders.
According to the Ministry, the collaboration, which includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, has resulted in precision airstrikes on identified terrorist enclaves in the North-West. It stressed that such engagements are conducted in line with international law, mutual respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.
The government’s clarification followed a public statement by former United States President, Donald Trump, who announced that American forces had executed what he described as “powerful and deadly strikes” against ISIS elements in North-West Nigeria. Trump, in a post on his official page, claimed the targeted group had been responsible for the killing of innocent civilians, particularly Christians, and warned of further action if such attacks continued.
While acknowledging the statement, Nigerian authorities emphasised that all counter-terrorism efforts involving international partners are guided by clearly defined bilateral understandings and Nigeria’s overriding responsibility to protect all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
“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 stated, adding that terrorist violence in any form remains an affront to the nation’s values and to international peace and security.
The Federal Government also reassured Nigerians that beyond international collaboration, it continues to strengthen its own security institutions and intelligence capabilities to sustainably weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it would maintain engagement with relevant partners through established diplomatic and security channels and keep the public informed through appropriate official platforms as counter-terrorism operations continue.
The statement was signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Friday.
