The Defence Headquarters says recent airstrikes in the North West, conducted alongside the United States, clearly signal Nigeria’s determination, and that of its partners, to confront terrorism and stop foreign fighters from gaining ground in the country.
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated this in a statement issued on Friday, December 26, in Abuja.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” Uba said.
He explained that the operations were intelligence‑driven and carefully planned to weaken the militants’ capacity to operate while avoiding harm to civilians.
He added, “The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.”
Uba said the airstrikes, which were authorised by “appropriate authorities,” form part of sustained efforts to “rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.”
He stressed that the joint strikes underscore Abuja’s readiness to work with strategic partners to tackle cross‑border extremism.
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“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.
Reaffirming the military’s role, he added: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.”
First Daily reports that earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in “structured security and intelligence cooperation” with partners such as the United States in dealing with terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the partnership involves “intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security commitments.”
It added that Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism posture is guided by the need to protect civilian lives, safeguard national unity and uphold the rights of all citizens, “irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” stressing that terrorist violence against any religious or ethnic group is an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace.
The ministry’s comments followed remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a separate social media post, said the operation was conducted “with the cooperation of the Nigerian government” and thanked Abuja for its support.