We worked with US on strike on terrorists in Nigeria — FG + Video

by · The Eagle Online

The Federal Government has said that it worked with the United States of America on the strike launched on terrorists in the country.

The Federal Government spoke in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the early hours of Friday.

The statement, which was signed by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria cooperated with the United States of America in the strike on terrorists in the North West.

The US Africa Command identified the exact target as Sokoto State.

It said in a post on X on Thursday: “At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.”

Ebienfa said the collaboration, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.

He said: “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.”

The statement followed the announcement of the strike by Trump on his social media: “Truth.”

Trump wrote: “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!

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

“Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.

“May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, in a separate post on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.

“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.

“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

The statement by Ebienfa reads in full: “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. 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.”

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