Ongoing Security Cooperation Between Nigeria and the United States
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed continued security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following a series of airstrikes targeting terrorist groups in the North West region of the country. These operations have been described as precision strikes aimed at neutralizing key terrorist elements.
In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, emphasized that Nigerian authorities are actively engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America.” This collaboration is focused on combating terrorism and violent extremism across the nation.
The ministry highlighted that the partnership involves several key components, such as intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support. These efforts are conducted in accordance with international law, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security commitments.
“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,” the statement said. It further noted that any form of terrorist violence, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
This declaration came in response to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that U.S. forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “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.”
He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.” Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued, stating, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
In a separate social media post, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the cooperation between the two nations. “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” he wrote, adding that the Department of War was “always ready.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to working with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels. This includes efforts to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.
The airstrikes occurred just a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured dozens. Authorities suspect this incident was a suicide bombing.
The ministry assured the public that it would continue to provide updates through appropriate official channels.
