Nigeria confirms ongoing security cooperation with US over terrorism threat

ISTANBUL

Nigeria confirmed early Friday that it continues to collaborate with the US in the field of security to address the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

The statement issued by the Foreign Ministry came after US strikes against ISIS (Daesh) targets in northwest Nigeria.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain 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 airstrikes in the North West," the statement said.

"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," it added.

The statement reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counterterrorism actions prioritize the protection of civilians, the preservation of national unity, and the respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Terrorism in any form directed against any community is an affront to Nigeria’s values and undermines international peace and security, it said.

"The Federal Government continues 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," it said.

The ministry added that it will continue to engage in contact with "relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels."

The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced Thursday on his Truth Social platform that the United States conducted "powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria.

"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!" he said.

“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," he added.

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a post on the US social media company X’s platform that it launched the strikes "at the request of Nigerian authorities” in Sokoto State, “killing multiple ISIS terrorists.”

“Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” it added.