Nigeria–US airstrikes in North West show FG’s resolve against terrorism — DHQ

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has said that the recent airstrikes carried out in parts of North West Nigeria, in collaboration with the United States, demonstrate the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and other threats to national security.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, noting that the operation followed credible intelligence and was designed to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist elements while minimising collateral damage.

According to him, the strikes were conducted with the approval of relevant authorities as part of ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorists and criminal groups undermining peace and stability.

“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 was based on careful planning and intelligence-driven targeting.

“The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage,” he stated.

Uba said the operation underscored the determination of the Federal Government, working with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria.

“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to the protection of lives and property across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country,” Uba added.

Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also 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 stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, safeguard national unity and uphold the rights of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.

It added that terrorist violence against any religious or ethnic group remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace and security.

The clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that U.S. forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in North West Nigeria.

In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support.

The airstrikes came amid heightened security concerns, following a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing parts of the country.

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