The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed the military air strikes carried out by the US government on terrorists in north-west Nigeria on Thursday.
In a press release, the government confirmed its structured security cooperation and intelligence collaboration with the United States.
It stated that the air strikes on terrorists in the north west were precise, targeting the hideouts of the criminals.
The government warned that there would no longer be a safe haven for violent extremists and terrorists in any part of the country, noting that their activities remain an affront to the nation’s values.
“Cooperation between Nigeria and the US has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the statement partly read.
“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.”
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, had on Thursday night announced that his country carried out a successful military strike, which he called deadly, in Nigeria’s north west.
The US Department of War also confirmed the strikes, suggesting that the terrorists failed to heed previous warnings to stop killing innocent Christians and being displaced from their homes.
The US war department also warned that more of such air strikes would follow.
