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The Federal Government FG has clarified that recent United States (US) airstrikes on terrorist targets in a Sokoto village were carried out under existing Nigeria–United States security cooperation and intelligence collaboration.
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In a statement issued in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria remains engaged in structured security partnerships with international allies, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
According to him, the cooperation has supported coordinated security actions against terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
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“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
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“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,” Ebienfa said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy prioritises civilian protection and national cohesion.
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“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.
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“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,” he added.
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Ebienfa further noted that the Federal Government continues to work with its partners through diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their funding and logistics, and curb cross-border threats.
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He said these efforts are also aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capacity.
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“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” he stated.
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Earlier, United States President Donald Trump announced the operation in a post on his Truth Social platform.
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“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!
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“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.”
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Confirming the action, the United States Africa Command said the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State with the cooperation of the Nigerian Government.
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“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.
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Reacting to the development on X, United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Federal Government for its cooperation, stating, “More to come…”.
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