Nigeria confirms coordinated US air strikes in North West

Nigeria has confirmed that United States air strikes were carried out on its territory following coordinated security and intelligence operations targeting terrorist elements in the North West.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were the result of “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” aimed at countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“This cooperation has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry stated, noting that the actions were undertaken within agreed bilateral frameworks and international law.

The confirmation follows a post by former US President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Christmas night, in which he said he had authorised the operation.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the collaboration involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, stressing that the country’s sovereignty was respected throughout the process.

“This cooperation is consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” the statement added.

The government also emphasised that civilian protection remained central to counter-terrorism operations.

“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 ministry said.

According to the statement, terrorist violence “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

“Nigeria is also strengthening its own security institutions and intelligence capabilities to ensure long-term stability,” the ministry noted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would keep the public informed through official channels as engagements with partners continue.