26/12/2025
🇳🇬 Abuja Confirms U.S. Airstrikes in North West After Bilateral Intelligence Coordination
READER ADVISORY | CONTEXT NOTICE
Report references a sensitive, evolving security operation involving international military cooperation.
Nigeria’s Federal Government on Friday confirmed it coordinated with the United States on intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations in the North West, after U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against suspected Islamic State-linked militants. The acknowledgement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. 🛡️
The government stressed the operation followed “structured security cooperation” between both countries, including intelligence sharing and strategic planning, while affirming Nigeria’s sovereignty was respected. Abuja added that counter-terrorism actions remain guided by international law and civilian protection. 🌍📡
Verified Facts
Nigeria confirmed active security cooperation with the U.S. on counter-terrorism in the North West.
Collaboration includes intelligence exchange and coordinated planning.
The air operation was framed as a joint effort, not a unilateral foreign intervention.
Nigeria condemned terrorist v!olence as an attack on national values, regardless of affected community.
Claims Attributed to Sources (Not Confirmed by Nigeria)
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social, attributing them to Islamic State militants and claiming the targets were attacking “primarily innocent Christians.” These assertions were made by Trump and have not been verified by Nigerian authorities. 📲
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and said the U.S. military is “always ready.” This statement was issued directly by Hegseth. ✍️
Nigerian Government Position
Abuja reiterated its official stance in the release, saying:
All counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unit
