FG Reacts as U.S. Confirms Airstrikes on Terrorist Targets in Sokoto
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to reports of recent United States airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in parts of Sokoto State, clarifying that the operation was conducted within the framework of existing Nigeria–United States security cooperation.
In a statement released in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, explained that Nigeria maintains structured security and intelligence partnerships with several international allies, including the United States, aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Ebienfa noted that the collaboration has facilitated coordinated counterterrorism operations against armed groups operating in the North-West region of the country.
According to him, the cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support that align with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“This partnership has contributed to precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North-West,” Ebienfa stated.
“Such engagements are carried out in line with established international practice, bilateral understandings, and shared commitments to regional and global security.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy places strong priority on the protection of civilians and the preservation of national unity.
“All counterterrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, uphold the dignity and rights of all Nigerians, and maintain national cohesion, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” he said.
The spokesperson added that terrorist violence, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or any other group, remains a direct threat to Nigeria’s core values and international peace.
Ebienfa further disclosed that the Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and address cross-border security threats. He said these efforts are also focused on strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence and security institutions.
Earlier, former United States President Donald Trump announced the airstrike in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a decisive action against ISIS-linked elements operating in northwest Nigeria. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The operation was later confirmed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which stated that the strikes were carried out in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with the Nigerian Government, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025,” AFRICOM said.
Reacting via X (formerly Twitter), United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation, adding that further actions may follow.
The development has once again drawn attention to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges in the North-West and the role of international partnerships in addressing extremist violence.