The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has stated that recent airstrikes in the North West reflect the Federal Government’s firm resolve to confront terrorism, carried out in collaboration with the United States.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the precision operations were executed based on credible intelligence and followed careful planning to degrade terrorist capabilities while minimising collateral damage.
According to him, the strikes were conducted with the approval of the appropriate authorities as part of sustained efforts to eliminate terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“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 added that the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s determination, alongside strategic international partners, to counter transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within the country.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.
Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding lives and property nationwide, stressing that the military would continue to support joint, inter-agency and international initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and security.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security commitments.
The ministry emphasised that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity and the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, noting that terrorist violence against any group is an affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace.
The clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who stated that U.S. forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State-linked terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria. In a separate social media post, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government, expressing appreciation for Nigeria’s support.
The airstrikes came amid heightened security concerns, following a recent bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which left several people dead and others injured, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing parts of the country.
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