Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, said in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, that the airstrikes were the outcome of ongoing intelligence collaboration and strategic coordination with partner countries.

Tuggar said the cooperation has enabled precision strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria, carried out in line with international practice and bilateral understandings.

He noted that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.

“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,” the statement reads.

It added that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity and the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

“Terrorist violence in any form — whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities — remains unacceptable and an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the ministry said.

The minister further stated that Nigeria continues to work with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen national security and intelligence capacity.

He added that his ministry would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.

The confirmation follows comments by the United States indicating plans to provide additional support to northern states to enhance surveillance, security operations and counter-terrorism efforts.

On Christmas night, US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against ISIS militants operating in north-west Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out deadly attacks against Christians.

The post FG confirms security cooperation with US after airstrikes on terrorist targets in north-west first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the strikes were conducted on his direct orders and targeted ISIS elements accused of attacking communities in the region.

According to the US president, the operation followed earlier warnings to the group to halt its violent activities. He added that the airstrikes were carried out by American forces in response to continued attacks attributed to the militants.

“Tonight, at my direction as commander-in-chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote.

He said the US Department of War executed multiple strikes and warned that further military action would follow if the violence continued.

Sources said the strikes took place in Jabo village, Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto state.

Trump also praised the US military for the operation, reiterating that his administration would not allow extremist groups to thrive.

In a related post on X, Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, said he was grateful for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government, suggesting coordination between both countries during the operation.

“The president was clear last month that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must end,” Hegseth wrote, adding that US forces were prepared to act when necessary.

The post US launches airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria first appeared on The Times of Abuja.