The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has said recent airstrikes carried out in parts of North West Nigeria were targeted at weakening terrorist networks while ensuring the protection of civilians.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, noting that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the United States.
According to Uba, the strikes were based on credible intelligence and approved by relevant authorities as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” he said.
He added, “The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.”
Uba said the operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining a foothold in Nigeria.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he stated.
He further assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country,” Uba said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria maintains structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other support mechanisms, in line with international law and respect for sovereignty.
The ministry stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations are guided by civilian protection, national unity and respect for citizens’ rights, adding that attacks against any religious or ethnic group violate Nigeria’s values and global peace.
The statements followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said American forces carried out “deadly strikes” against Islamic State terrorists in North-Western Nigeria.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government, thanking Nigeria for its support.
The airstrikes came amid ongoing security concerns, a day after a bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide attack.
