…As US President Donald Trump announces military airstrikes in Nigeria
The Federal Government has said that the airstrikes by the United States against terrorists in a village in Sokoto were part of the Nigeria-United States Security Cooperation and Intelligence Collaboration.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that Nigerian authorities remained engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
“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.
“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. Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” Ebienfa said.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also said the Federal Government continued to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” he added.
Earlier, United States President Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!
“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Corroborating Trump’s post, the United States Africa Command said the operation was carried out in Sokoto state in collaboration with the Nigerian Government.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” it said.
Reacting to the military operation via X, United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and cooperation, saying, “More to come…”
Credit: The Sun