The Nigerian Government on Thursday confirmed strikes by the United States of America on terrorists’ targets in some parts of Sokoto State.
Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, said the strike was a “joint operation” targeting “terrorists”, and it “has nothing to do with a particular religion.”
According to Tuggar, the operation had been planned “for quite some time” and had used intelligence information provided by the Nigerian side.
Recall that US had announced that it carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria’s government.
US President Donald Trump, in a post on truth social said “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!”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said 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.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West. 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.
“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. 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.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” the statement read.
