The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following reported airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West region of the country.
In a press release issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, the Nigerian government acknowledged structured collaboration with international partners, including the United States of America, aimed at addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the statement, the cooperation has resulted in “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” carried out in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings. The Ministry noted that the engagement includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners… in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement read.
The government stressed that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. It reiterated that terrorist violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other community remains unacceptable and an affront to Nigeria’s values as well as international peace and security.
The statement came amid a public declaration by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who announced that the United States had carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements operating in North-West Nigeria.
In a post issued under his name, President Trump said the strikes were carried out at his direction as Commander-in-Chief, accusing the targeted groups of killing innocent civilians, “primarily Christians.” He warned that further action would follow if attacks continued, while asserting that the operation demonstrated America’s military capability and resolve against what he termed “radical Islamic terrorism.”
While the Nigerian government did not reference President Trump’s remarks directly, it emphasized that counter-terrorism operations are not driven by religious considerations but by the need to safeguard all citizens and dismantle terrorist networks threatening national and regional stability.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that the Federal Government is working through diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” the statement added.
The press release was signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and dated Friday, December 26, 2025.
Nigeria has in recent years expanded international security partnerships as part of broader efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions of the country.
