Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the recent airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated terrorists in the north-west region of the country were carried out through a coordinated operation involving both Nigerian and United States forces.
DHQ reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to confront terrorism.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, stated that the strikes were driven by intelligence and carefully planned to degrade the terrorists’ operational capacity while minimising unintended damage.
Uba explained that the operation received approval from the relevant authorities and formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal elements posing threats to national security.
He said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working in collaboration with the United States, successfully executed precision air operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked fighters operating in parts of north-west Nigeria.
According to him, the development underscores the Federal Government’s strong position, alongside key international partners, against transnational terrorism and efforts to prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding their presence in the country.
Uba stressed that the joint operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment, in partnership with strategic allies, to deny terrorist organisations any safe haven within its borders.
“This action clearly reflects the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic international partners, to prevent foreign terrorist elements from gaining any foothold within our borders.”
The US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, also confirmed that the airstrikes were conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, while President Donald Trump had earlier announced that the US military carried out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Nigeria.
However, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the operation, alleging that the involvement of the US military amounted to a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
