The Nigerian government has officially responded to the “powerful and deadly” strikes launched by the United States (U.S) against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, speaking during an interview with Channels TV and monitored by Pan-Atlantic Kompass on Friday, said President Bola Tinubu gave the go-ahead for the U.S strikes against terrorists in the country’s North-Western region.
Tuggar stated: “Now that the US is cooperating, we would do it jointly, and we would ensure, just as the President emphasised yesterday before he gave the go-ahead, that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other.
“We are a multi-religious country, and we are working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports also that the Nigerian government responded to the U.S strikes in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the statement, the strikes were part of the U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats, rather than a unilateral intervention based on religious narratives
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
The ministry stated that the collaboration, which resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involves the sharing of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in accordance with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
Below are some reactions as the Nigerian government responded to the U.S strikes;
